Park Forest, Politics, Schools

District 163 Honors Superintendent Designate Dr. Caletha White


Dr. Caletha White, School District 163
Superintendent Designate Dr. Caletha White during the recent reception held in her honor at Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 held a welcome reception for Superintendent Designate Dr. Caletha White on Saturday, August 25, at Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts. Dr. White will succeed Interim Superintendent Joyce Carmine at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.

The reception brought elected officials, staff members, parents, and Dr. White’s families and friends together to celebrate her new role as superintendent designate and her future role of superintendent. Prior to the reception, students were entertained with fun activities, lunch was served to families, and workshops were held for parents. Children in attendance also received backpacks.

Dr. White has been with District 163 since the opening of the 2006 school year when she was named principal of Algonquin Primary Center. Most recently, she has served as the District’s director of Grants and Instructional Services

“The Board of Education appointed the person we believe has the ability to take our District to the next level, and retain many of the values set by her predecessor, Superintendent Joyce Carmine,” said Lance L. Jefferson, Board president. “Dr. White was chosen following a thorough superintendent search. The Board served as the search committee and it was aided by focus groups comprised of staff members, parents, and community members. We appreciate their input and we are confident that the process ensured that we have the right person in place.”

Interim Superintendent Dr. Joyce Carmine said, “Dr. White will lead with a strong and innovative vision, and intentional and meaningful focus on every action she takes. I believe she will take Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 to new heights as she strengthens the bridge between home, school, and community.”

During the reception, Dr. White told the assembled guests, “I entered teaching 28 years ago because I wanted to spend my life igniting curiosity in children and sparking their desire to learn. I became excited when I saw the light in children’s faces when they learned to read. That excitement has not dimmed. At District 163, we build the foundation for students and make sure that each life is important. I move forward with the intention to provide excellent experiences for our children under my watch. Every child who walks into our schools will know they are loved and valued.”

This article is from a release sent by School District 163.

Related: SD 163: Home of the Richest Superintendent in Illinois


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