New District 211 superintendent Judith Campbell emphasizes collaboration and student growth

Alexa Orlowski | Conant Crier

Dr. Judith Campbell will replace retiring District 211 superintendent Dr. Lisa Small beginning July 1, 2025. Representing one of the largest public school districts in the state of Illinois, the District 211 Board of Education underwent a lengthy, competitive process to find Small’s replacement. Campbell has decades of experience in education, most recently as Deputy Superintendent of Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.

“I was the one who would line up my dolls on the floor and teach them. So I knew very early that I wanted to be a teacher,” she said, smiling over Zoom during a January meet and greet with student journalists from all District 211 schools. 

“My mother was a teacher. My aunt was a teacher. I came from a foundation of educators,” Campbell said, “but I also had a different side in which some of my family members were not educated.” She’s always had a passion for teaching, beginning her career in special education.

Her personal background and early experiences have shaped her emphasis on equity and high expectations. “I’ve always loved kids… I’ve always stood in my purpose in every position I’ve been in is having a standard of excellence for all,” Campbell said.

Before officially stepping into her role, Campbell has visited each high school in the district, aiming to learn more about the community and its needs. “I went in and started looking at what the district entails. It’s not only important for you all to have somebody who’s a good fit,” Campbell said. “It’s also important for me to desire and be a fit for a district.”

Her goal was to begin by observing and learning. “I asked two questions: what are the things that are going well, and what do you love? And then what is one of those things that if you had a magic wand, you want me to look into, or that you want to be fixed?”

Campbell described her educational philosophy as one that recognizes different paths and paces of student learning.  “And what we have to really lean into is that students will not land at the same time [in] their mastery of specific skills,” she said. “And so… as long as students continue to show growth, we are headed in the right direction.”

Outside of her professional role, Campbell shared a more personal side with students. “I am a music and dance lover… If you turn on some music, or if you want to do a dance competition, I’m all there for it. I’m all there for it,” she said, laughing.

As she prepares to take on her new role, Campbell says she is committed to continuing to listen to students, families, and staff. “Part of my job is not to make decisions by myself. I promise, I’m not the smartest person in the room,” she said. 

“But I think having you [students, staff, administrators, and parents] all around to contribute to some of the next steps that need to take place… We’ll [all] come together and determine from there what we need to prioritize to ensure that you all are having the best experience,” Campbell said. 

Alexa Orlowski | Conant Crier

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