District 34 Names New Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

After an intense search process, has announced that Arturo “Art” Abrego will assume the role of Assistant Superintendant for Student Services this summer.

Abrego will begin his new role on July 1 with transition activities prior to that time, district officials said in a recent release.

From working as a classroom teacher and a bilingual speech language pathologist to his roles as Administrator of Language Learning Programs and District Learning Coordinator at Oak Terrace School in Highland Park, Abrego has more than 20 years of experience in a variety of educational capacities. He is the current principal at Thomas Jefferson School in Palatine District 15.

Abrego earned his bachelor’s degree in special education from Loyola University and holds two master’s degrees — one in speech and hearing science from the University of Illinois and one in educational leadership from Northeastern University. 

Abrego is also committed to continuing his education and is currently enrolled at National-Louis University working on his doctorate degree. Additionally, he holds three certifications including his Administrative Type 75 certificate, an advanced administrative certificate required in the state of Illinois to hold certain administrative K-12 positions.

Abrego was one of 10 candidates selected by Hazard, Young and Attea, an executive search and consulting company hired by the district.  Following interviews with three district teams — parents and staff, principals and cabinet members and the superintendent and deputy superintendent — Superintendant Dr. Gerald Hill recommended Abrego to the board, officials said.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to be part of a child-centered
school district that is focused on student learning,” Abrego told Patch. “I look forward to creating collaborative partnerships with parents, teachers and my
administrative colleagues in serving the students and families of the
Glenview community.” 

As Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Abrego will lead developments in transitional bilingual education, English Language Learner (ELL) education and gifted education, officials explained. Additionally, he will oversee the Director of Special education, a position that the district is currently looking to fill. Abrego will assist with the interview process.

“We are so pleased to find someone with Art’s diverse background which will serve the students of District 34 well as he works to build upon our current level of success,” Dr. Hill said of Abrego’s appointment. “He showed a deep passion for the learning of all students through the interview process.  He is a strong communicator, is fluent in Spanish, and has a comprehensive understanding of the bilingual and ELL programs.  He will help us in our path to continual improvement across the school system.”

Abrego will replace Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Kathleen Hart. He will earn $142,000 in addition to health, dental, life and disability insurance.