As Deerfield High School and Highland Park High School enter the 2024-2025 school year, many changes are bound to occur. One of the most notable changes is the retirement of our current superintendent, Dr. Bruce Law, and introduction of the new Township District 113 superintendent, Dr. Chala Holland.
Deerprints was given a special opportunity to meet with Dr. Holland and discuss her past experiences in education as well as what her future in District 113 entails. While she is new to District 113, Dr. Holland is not unfamiliar with the North Shore area. “I grew up in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, which is right outside of Philadelphia, a suburb similar to Deerfield.” Holland discussed her past educational experiences, sharing that “I went to Northwestern for my undergraduate, then while I was doing my master’s at DePaul I student taught at Evanston.” Holland also completed a doctoral program while she received her PhD at the University of Chicago. After several years of serving in Oak Park-River Forest High School’s administration, she subsequently became principal at Lake Forest High School. Currently, Holland is currently an assistant superintendent supporting two high schools in Naperville Community Unit District 203.
But why 113? Holland has numerous past experiences with high schools in the area and is eager to assume the top leadership position at District 113 this summer.
“I want District 113 to be a place of excellence for all students, not just some,” Holland shared when asked about her vision for the district, “A place of excellence is already a part of the district’s vision, which is what I have always admired about District 113.”
Holland has found so much joy in working at different high schools throughout her career. As Holland enters the district and continues to meet with students, she is also finding more and more reasons why she looks forward to being part of the District 113 community. She has already visited Deerfield High School and met with not only students, but the staff as well. Building relationships in District 113 is something that she says is particularly important to her, as well as building the community around her.
Now that Holland is on her way to being an official part of District 113, she says that her vision for the schools aligns with the district’s vision that is already set in place.
“I want to spend time learning how close or far the district is from fulfilling its current vision,” states Holland, “Specifically spending time with students, staff, families, and community members. Then taking that information and thinking about how it affects the district’s vision.”
Holland also shared how she wants District 113 to be a place where people enjoy showing up every day. As she enters the community in District 113, she does not plan on straying away from the current plans the district has to offer, which include 113’s motto, “a passion for potential.” Both the district and Holland want District 113 to continually improve areas, including academic performance, emotional well-being, and fiscal responsibility. Holland wants to continue to foster an environment of excellence and enhance everyone’s experience in 113, and to make sure students and staff enjoy coming to school day in and day out.
As Holland enters District 113, many students and staff have questions about what she plans to do with the school community she will be leading. Deerprints asked Holland a plethora of questions about her leadership style and vision, but one answer seemed consistent among them all.
“Part of my leadership style as I keep mentioning is around building relationships and getting to know who other people are,” Holland shared when asked about how she plans to inspire and motivate others, “I am honest, yet I am also empathetic and understanding. Part of my work is for students, so building relationships is very important to me.”
As Holland makes appearances at Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School, she shows how building relationships is so important to her through her actions. She has a clear understanding of what it takes to be a leader, and how to lead by example. She is already building relationships with so many students and staff in the building through different luncheons, and talks with students.
As the school year comes to an end, Holland leaves the District with a few wise words,
“I am super excited to be in this district. I want every student to love their experience here at District 113. I want every staff member to feel supported, heard, and considered, and I’m hoping every staff member has what they need to feel supported and do their best.”
