Superintendent
Dr. Michael Lach is a lifelong educator with more than 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator.
He joined District 86 in July of 2024 after previously serving as the assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment for Township High School District 113 in Highland Park and Deerfield. Before District 113, Lach served as a senior fellow at Achieve in Washington, D.C., where he helped states and districts develop and use mathematics, science, and literacy standards in their educational improvement efforts.
Lach was the director of STEM and strategic initiatives for UChicago STEM Education at the University of Chicago, where he conducted research on large-scale K-12 STEM improvement and provided technical assistance to a variety of partners, including NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Council for the Great City Schools. As a special assistant for science, mathematics, engineering and technology education for the U.S. Department of Education, he led STEM education policy during President Barack Obama’s first term.
As an administrator in the Chicago Public Schools, he held several high-profile positions including chief officer of teaching and learning, officer of high school teaching and learning, and director of mathematics and science.
Lach spent nine years as a high-school science classroom teacher in New Orleans, New York City, and Chicago, and earned accolades such as the Radio Shack National Teacher Award (2000), Outstanding Illinois Physics Teacher of the Year (1999), National Board certification, and a finalist for the Golden Apple Award (1998).
He earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Carleton College, master’s degrees in science education from Columbia University and educational leadership from Northeastern Illinois University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Superintendent Goals
In accordance with board policy and the Superintendent's contract, the Board discussed and approved annual goals (below) for Superintendent Dr. Michael Lach.
Goals
- Identify and improve the academic performance of all students and address achievement gaps in our current performance results.
- Recruit, hire, and retain high quality, effective teachers, school leaders, and support staff.
- Evaluate and manage human, financial, and physical resources and processes effectively and efficiently.
- Implement effective systems of support for students and staff that promote quality learning experiences and social and emotional growth.
- Engage stakeholders to determine priorities, foster partnerships, and promote learning.
Annually, the Superintendent shall partner with the Board of Education in the development and implementation of Board priorities and goals. Throughout the year the Superintendent will present a portfolio of evidence supporting goals by semester.
Debra Kedrowski
ADM Chief of Staff
Central, South, Admin
Work:
630-655-6108
Administrative Chief of StaffÂ