At the Geneva Community Unit School District (CUSD) 304 Board of Education meeting on May 8, George Petmezas, Ed.D. was approved as the new Director of Learning and Teaching. Dr. Petmezas will begin in the role on July 1, 2023. “While my new role will challenge me in different ways, I am genuinely excited for this next chapter in my professional career,” said Dr. Petmezas.
Dr. Petmezas has served as the principal of Mill Creek Elementary School for the past 12 years. Prior to that role, he was the assistant principal of Geneva Middle School North and the special education coordinator in Community High School District 94 of West Chicago.
The district administration reviewed 42 applicants for the Director of Learning and Teaching position left vacant by the promotion of Shonette Sims to Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Teaching.
A committee, which included school and district administrators, instructional teaching coaches, and support staff, interviewed six external candidates during the initial round of interviews. Three of them, along with Dr. Petmezas, the only internal candidate, were invited to participate in a second round of interviews last week.
“The interview committee unanimously felt that Dr. Petmezas was the clear choice for the position,” said Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Adam Law. The committee chose Dr. Petmezas' based on his years of experience at all three academic levels - high school, middle school, and elementary school. In addition, he was chosen for his proven track record as a leader who builds relationships with all stakeholders.
“Our success as a district hinges on the love and support that our students receive at home and the collaborative partnerships we have,” Dr. Petmezas said. “I hope to develop collaborative and productive relationships with all of the wonderful educators across our district in an effort to support them as they work with our most valued assets, our students.”
Dr. Petmezas holds a bachelor's degree in special education from Illinois State University, a master's degree in educational leadership from Concordia University and a doctoral degree in educational administration from Aurora University.