District 128 board unanimously approves contract for incoming superintendent Mark Schaeffer

The Community High School District 128 Board of Education voted unanimously Feb. 24 to approve a contract for Dr. Mark Schaeffer as the district's next superintendent, effective July 1, 2025.

Board members made the approval formal during the meeting after the board president read the motion to "approve the contract as presented for Doctor Mark Schaeffer as D128 superintendent beginning 07/01/2025." Board member Lisa Hessel moved the motion and Don Carmichael seconded it; a roll call produced seven ayes and no nays.

The vote followed an introduction and statements from the board describing the search and selection process. Board members praised Schaeffer’s background and the community input used to develop the district’s leadership profile. "His extensive experience as an educator, administrator, and superintendent makes him well equipped to lead our district," one board member said during remarks praising the hiring process.

Dr. Schaeffer joined the meeting remotely and spoke briefly to the board and audience. He said he was "incredibly proud, honored, and humbled to be joining Community High School District 128" and that he looked forward to building on the district's "strong traditions of excellence in student achievement, outcomes, and experiences."

Board members invited Schaeffer to attend the next in-person meeting on March 10 and offered personal welcomes. The board did not take further formal action related to his orientation or transition plan at the Feb. 24 meeting.

The board’s formal approval completes the contract step of the superintendent selection; start date in the motion is July 1, 2025.