After what school officials described as an extensive national search, the Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors unanimously approved the hire of the district’s next superintendent.
Theresa Rouse was named the new superintendent March 30 during a special board meeting. District 86’s board approved a three-year contract with a base salary of $195,000.
Rouse, who will start July 1, has been the superintendent of King City Union School District in King City, California, since 2012. She will replace retiring superintendent Charles Coleman, who has held the position since 2011.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Rouse as our new superintendent,” said Gwendolyn Ulmer, president of the District 86 Board of School Inspectors. “Dr. Rouse has a wealth of experience working in a school district similar to District 86. Her experience, enthusiasm, and commitment to students and staff will be a terrific asset.”
Prior to working at King City Union School District, Rouse spent five years at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. She served in a variety of roles in the office of education, including associate superintendent of educational services.
Rouse has more than 29 years of educational experience, according to District 86.
“I am thrilled to be joining Joliet Public Schools District 86,” Rouse said. “I look forward to working with the staff, students, parents and community members as we take the district to the next level of achievement.”
Rouse has a doctorate in educational leadership from Argosy University in Phoenix and a master’s degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan University.