Lemont D113A Names New Assistant Superintendent

LEMONT, IL — The Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education has selected a new Assistant Superintendent. Daniela Fountain, current Director of Curriculum and Assessment in

Troy School District 30C, will assume the position starting July 1, 2017, following the retirement of current Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Mary Gricus.

Fountain holds a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an English as a
Second Language endorsement from National Louis University as well as a Certificate of Advanced
Study in Administration and Supervision from National Louis University. She earned her Bachelor of
Science degree at Illinois State University. Fountain was the recipient of DuPage County’s Annie
Ryan Mentor of the Year and has presented locally, state-wide and nationally.

Looking forward to joining the District 113A learning community, Fountain shared her enthusiasm about working with the district. “I look forward to supporting and collaborating with all district stakeholders to provide District 113A students high quality and relevant learning experiences. I am humbled to serve the district and excited to work with the community to make a positive difference in the lives of District 113A students.”

The Board of Education approved the appointment of Fountain on October 19. The appointment
follows a rigorous and extensive search process including a candidate pool of over 70 applicants and
multiple rounds of interviews with district administrators, staff members, the Board of Education, and
parent and community leaders. The interview process also included a performance assessment
related to data analysis and communicating progress and goals to the Board and community.

During the interview process, staff described Fountain as “knowledgeable, experienced, genuine, reflective, and insightful” as well as “someone who has an emphasis on what is best for students.”

Parents and community members also commented that she is “an excellent candidate, and a good
communicator with an exceptional depth of knowledge” and one who is “compassionate, articulate,
personable” and “would connect well with the community.”

"I believe Mrs. Fountain will be a great addition to our District 113A family," said District 113A
Superintendent Dr. Courtney Orzel. "She embodies all of the attributes that we were seeking in an
Assistant Superintendent and has the qualities that we would expect of all of our school leaders. She
is extremely knowledgeable about curriculum, instruction and assessment and understands the
systems and frameworks needed to move a district forward. She has excellent leadership qualities
that will benefit our district now and in the years to come.”

To ensure a smooth transition, Fountain will begin working with the district's administrators prior to
her official July 1, 2017 start date. The district will publish dates and times for staff, parents and
community members to meet the new Assistant Superintendent.

Photo provided by Lemont Ditrict 113A