Please join me in congratulating Dr. Daniel Callaghan. The School Board unanimously approved him as the District’s next Superintendent at this evening’s Board of Education meeting.

I was fortunate to work alongside Dan in Central Office over the last several months, and I believe I am leaving the District in very capable hands. I am confident that his vision for our students, staff, and community will continue to move the District forward.

Respectfully,

Dr. Michael J. Byrne
Interim Superintendent

The Kirby School District 140 Board of Education announced this evening that they have voted unanimously to hire Dr. Daniel F. Callaghan as the District’s next Superintendent.

“Dr. Callaghan is an experienced leader with strong community ties and a deep commitment to our District,” stated Board of Education President Thomas Martelli. “We believe his experience, vision, and knowledge of the District will move us from good to great. The Board and I look forward to working with him as he makes this happen.”

“I am honored and humbled by the support of the Board and my colleagues,” stated Dr. Callaghan. “As someone who grew up in this area and attended D140 schools, I have an incredible amount of pride, loyalty, and investment in this community. I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to continue building exceptional schools that optimize educational opportunities for all students.”

Currently the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Callaghan has served the D140 community as a teacher and administrator for the past 19 years. He has provided leadership in developing educational programs and services, building operations, financial planning, communications, and technology integration. He has also served on several district-wide committees aimed at enhancing instruction, improving student engagement, and providing professional development and training.

Passion, Vision, and Commitment

“My vision for KSD 140 is to create and maintain an educational system where every student has equal and powerful educational opportunities,” stated Dr. Callaghan. I have a passion for educating the whole child and supporting growth both academically and socially.”

“I believe putting children first and meeting their needs are the keys to successful schools. My mission as an instructional leader is to have all teachers engage our students in learning with high expectations, promote student success, maintain a safe learning environment, and prepare students to be successful in today’s society. As the old saying goes, I believe it takes a village working together to help our students soar to new heights. I am committed to working collaboratively and responsively with all stakeholders to provide these opportunities for our students.”

Dr. Callaghan holds a Doctorate of Educational Leadership degree from the University of St. Francis, a master's degree in School Administration from Governors State University, and a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Trinity Christian College. He will assume leadership of the District as Superintendent on July 1, 2022.

Property values are tied to the strength of a school district. Good public schools equal good home and resale values. By prioritizing the care and maintenance of our facilities, we are investing in our schools, our community, and our future.

NEW SCHOOL

Estimates for retrofitting and modernizing Fernway Park Elementary School's current infrastructure for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, data, and classrooms were approaching the cost of a new school. The Kirby School District 140 Board of Education believes a new building is a better long-term solution. The proposed new school will be built on the western portion of the existing Fernway School property and replace the current Fernway Park School.

Additionally, this design will create a District Early Childhood Center within Fernway, allowing us to centralize services for our preschool-age students and free up classroom space at our other elementary buildings.

NO ADDITIONAL TAX IMPACT

D140 will pay for the Fernway project entirely out of cash reserves. If voters approve this project, it will allow D140 to construct a new school building using money already saved and earmarked for the maintenance and care of our facilities.

VOTE

Illinois law requires D140 to secure voter permission to spend part of our cash reserves on constructing a new school building. A referendum will appear on the Tuesday, June 28, 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election ballot asking for voter permission to build a new school on the western portion of the existing Fernway property. The exact question on the ballot is, “Shall the Board of Education of School District 140, Cook County, Illinois, build one new school building on the Fernway Park School site to replace the Fernway Park School?”

If you have additional questions or need more information, please visit ksd140.org/vote or contact us at ksd140.org.contact-us.