New D113A Superintendent: Nice to Meet You, Lemont

Dear Lemont Community,

I am honored to have been selected as the Superintendent of Schools for Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A. Teaching and learning have always been a great passion for me.  I earned my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, my Master’s from Concordia University, and my Bachelor’s from Eastern Illinois University.  

Most recently, I have served as the Superintendent of Schools in Forest Ridge School District 142.  During my eight years in Forest Ridge, I worked as a middle school principal and then became the Superintendent.  Prior to that, I served as a middle school assistant principal at Gower Middle School and have also taught high school English, Speech and Drama, and middle school Language Arts and Reading. 

During the time that I engaged in the interview process in Lemont, it became evident to me that we have active community members and parents, a dedicated staff, and a supportive Board of Education and administration. 

Open, honest, and transparent communication is the cornerstone of creating strong and healthy partnerships. The Board of Education and I are committed to working collaboratively on behalf of the community.  As a result, there are several key focus areas as we begin our journey which include reviewing the district’s strategic plan, strengthening community partnerships, and developing a district communications’ plan.

We know our work is important, and we are committed to providing consistent communications to our community as we work diligently to create a welcoming, safe, positive, and academically challenging atmosphere for all children of District 113A.

On a personal note, my husband and I have two children- Nolan, five, and Elle, nine months.  We enjoy bringing our children to community events, and I look forward to you meeting them.  In my time away from the district, I serve as President of the Lincoln-Way Special Education District 843 Parent Advisory Council and teach university courses to aspiring principals.

We have an exciting journey ahead of us in District 113A. Our work will continue to respect the district’s history and traditions, yet we will strengthen our partnerships and communications with community stakeholders, parents, staff, and students to move the district forward in every area as well. 

Thank you for the warm welcome as I transitioned into my new position.  I am extremely grateful to be able to serve the Lemont community.

Warm regards,

Courtney L. Orzel, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools