District 187 Welcomes Dr. Constance Rupert Collins as Interim Superintendent
The North Chicago School District 187 Independent Authority has officially appointed Dr. Constance Rupert Collins as interim superintendent. Dr. Collins will begin leading District 187 on July 1, succeeding outgoing Superintendent John Price, who will become superintendent of Indian Prairie School District 204 in Aurora.
Dr. Collins has agreed to serve through June 30, 2027, or until a permanent superintendent is appointed by the Independent Authority.
A Commitment to Collaboration and Student Success
Ahead of her official start date, Dr. Collins has already begun connecting with the North Chicago community. She plans to familiarize herself with cabinet members, teachers, staff, and community partners while building on the progress made in recent years. She also highlighted the district's special relationships with local philanthropic groups and Naval Station Great Lakes.
"I believe in collaboration and cooperation," Dr. Collins shared. "I want to identify what we can lift up, and identify where there are opportunities to take the next steps. It’s important to maintain the successes the district has had. I will look at the systems in place, familiarize myself with everything going on, and all opportunities to excel."
She emphasized that students remain at the center of her leadership focus:
"They are not only our future but our present. One day they will take care of us."
Outgoing Superintendent John Price expressed strong confidence in Dr. Collins taking the helm:
"Dr. Collins is one of the most respected educators in Illinois and around Lake County. She will be a great asset when she joins our district as superintendent."
Extensive Educational Leadership Background
Dr. Collins brings decades of administrative and educational experience to District 187:
Superintendent Experience: Retired superintendent of Round Lake Community Unit School District 116; former superintendent of Zion Elementary School District 6 (2002–2005); former superintendent of Oak Park Elementary School District 97; interim superintendent for Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 and Lake Forest High School District 115 in 2021.
Administrative Leadership: Served as an area superintendent and principal in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.
Clinical Background: Began her career as a speech pathologist across the country.
Education: Raised in Gary, Indiana, she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Indiana University and a Ph.D. from Penn State University in communication disorders with a focus on stuttering.
Sustaining Progress & District Governance
Dr. Collins joins District 187 following a period of strong academic gains under Superintendent Price. Since Price took office in 2017, the graduation rate at North Chicago Community High School rose from 50% to 85.9%.
The Independent Authority was established in 2012 by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to oversee the district's financial and academic performance. In 2024, ISBE voted to transition District 187 back to an elected board, with three members elected in 2025 and four additional members to be chosen in 2027 to form a fully elected panel.
Community Meet & Greet Event
District 187 families, staff, and community members are invited to welcome Dr. Collins in person!
Date: June 11
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Forrestal Elementary School