Doug Eccarius will be the next superintendent of CCSD 89

A veteran educator with experience at both elementary and middle school will be the next superintendent of Community Consolidated School District 89. Board members unanimously approved Doug Eccarius as superintendent during Monday’s regular board meeting.

Eccarius is currently the deputy superintendent for Indian Prairie School District 204, which serves Aurora, Naperville, and Plainfield. During his 26 years in education, he has also been a middle school math teacher, middle school assistant principal, elementary school principal, and assistant superintendent for human resources.

“I’m really excited and honored to be selected as superintendent of District 89,” Eccarius said. “I can’t wait to get to know all of the students, staff, and families in the district. I look forward to being part of the team.”

Eccarius will officially begin his role with CCSD 89 on July 1, although he plans to visit the district several times before then. You can learn more about Eccarius in this introduction video: https://youtu.be/fgioVBA7fD0 

The community is invited to meet Eccarius during an open house at 6 p.m. April 25, in the district office, 22W600 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn. 

Relationship builder

CCSD 89 Board President Haydee Núñez said that during the interview process, Eccarius stood out for his many years of experience leading teams at both elementary and middle school levels. 

“His clear strength was his ability to build good relationships with students, with parents, and with teachers,” Núñez said. “We know that is something our community will value.”

Eccarius spent six years as Indian Prairie’s Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources before being promoted to deputy superintendent in April 2020. As deputy superintendent, he oversees curriculum and instruction for all grade levels; innovation; research and assessment; professional learning; online learning; STEM integration; and English-language learner support. 

Even while working as deputy superintendent, he always looks for opportunities to visit classrooms.

“I love watching teachers use their passion and their expertise to connect with kids. I love what we can be for students,” he said. “I want District 89 to continue to be a place where all kids are cared for, they’re safe, and they can take risks to grow and learn so they can be what they want to be in this world.” 

Eccarius began his career in 1997, as a seventh-grade math and geography teacher at Gregory Middle School in Naperville. While teaching, he received five Indian Prairie Education Foundation “Most Influential Educator” awards. He served as a team coordinator and participated on the district’s advisory committee and math textbook adoption committees. He also coached football, wrestling, and track.

In 2003, he was selected to be the assistant principal and athletic director at Clarendon Hills Middle School. After two years at Clarendon Hills, he was named principal of The Lane Elementary School in Hinsdale. In 2011, the school was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, an elite national designation given to schools that are academically superior or show dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels.

In 2012, Eccarius was hired as assistant superintendent for human resources at District 181 in Burr Ridge, where he worked until Indian Prairie’s superintendent asked him to return. While at Indian Prairie, he oversaw the implementation of a guest teacher academy and served on the executive board for the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators. He presented on teacher recruitment strategies at the Illinois Association of School Business Officials State Conference, the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators State Conference, and the American Association of School Personnel Administrators National Conference.

Eccarius was interested in applying to be CCSD 89’s superintendent because of the community’s pride in education. He loves that residents have high expectations for students and ensure there are supports in place to help all learners.

“I was really excited about the size of District 89 because it gives me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, staff, parents, and board members,” Eccarius said. “Building relationships is one of my favorite parts of working in education.”

Lifelong learner

Eccarius earned a bachelor’s degree in middle school education from Illinois State University, then a master’s degree in educational leadership from North Central College. He has a superintendent endorsement from Aurora University. He has earned his superintendent, general administration, and professional educator licenses.

Eccarius lives in Plainfield with his wife, Jenny, who is a permanent substitute teacher in Plainfield. They have two adult children: Allison, a graduate student at Edinburgh University in Scotland; and Douglas Jr., a junior at Illinois State University.

“We’re very supportive of education in our family,” he said. “I love the field of education. I feel like it helped me be the person I am today.”

Eccarius was chosen after a nationwide search. During the search, students, staff, and residents were able to share feedback on the qualities they most valued in a school leader. The board approved a three-year contract for Eccarius. 

The current CCSD 89 superintendent, Emily Tammaru, was selected as superintendent for Northbrook/Glenview School District 30. She will serve as CCSD 89 superintendent through June 30.

Posted: April 17, 2023