July 27, 2010 – Dr. Harry Griffith, Superintendent of Schools for Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115, has announced his retirement, effective July 2012. Dr. Griffith comments, “I now look forward to the next chapter in my life – devoting more time to my wife and family, my friends and to our recent addition, our baby granddaughter.” Dr. Griffith came to Lake Forest District 67 in July 1994 from Baytown, Texas.

In July 2004, his responsibilities were expanded through an innovative “Shared Services” model. Dr. Griffith serves as Superintendent of two school districts, a unique model in schools across the nation. This groundbreaking model offers the school community a top-quality, articulated K-12 educational system while significantly reducing administrative expenditures each of the past six years.

Under Dr. Griffith’s leadership, District 67 and 115 test scores have risen to record levels; additionally an emotional wellness initiative was implemented addressing the needs of the whole child. Algebra for All was developed and instituted, bringing 90% of all 8th grade students to Algebra mastery. During Dr. Griffith’s tenure the districts established a comprehensive curriculum review cycle, experienced record numbers of National Merit Scholars, and have established “Problem Solving Teams” and “Core Teams” to meet the needs of each student. Dr. Griffith’s credentials also include being selected as one of the nation’s top 50 exemplary school superintendents.

During Dr. Griffith’s tenure, District 67 schools completed over $25 million dollars in renovations and upgrades without a referendum by using non-traditional funding sources (grants, donations, cost-saving measures, etc.). Similarly, the Lake Forest High School community endorsed a $54 million dollar referendum by a two to one margin, the largest referendum and margin in the history of the community. This broad community support kept LFHS academically competitive by providing enhanced and additional science labs, classrooms, updated technology, expanded research and study areas, and improved school safety and security.

Additionally, the West Campus was resurrected and reinvigorated to now include a Shared Services Administrative Center, Teacher Training Facility, Preschool, and a new Varsity athletic field. The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) leases a portion of this building for a K-8 program and will provide over $9 million in upgrades and revenues to the district over a 20-year period. Additionally, the Citadel Theatre now calls West Campus home and has updated the black box theater that will also be used by district students and community members.

Shared Services has grown over the past few years and now provides additional benefits to Lake Bluff Elementary District with a shared leadership in curriculum and instruction. In addition, the Lake Forest Schools and The City of Lake Forest operate a unique extension of the Shared Services partnership to reduce costs in a variety of areas and realize mutual benefits. This was most recently exemplified in the completion of a Wide Area Network System that provides unprecedented technology resources to both the city and schools in a cost-effective manner.

On the community front, Dr. Griffith has served as past president of the Lake Forest Historical Society and the CROYA Adult Board, served on the ELAWA Commission, and on the boards of the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and the Rotary Club of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff.

District 67 Board President Julia Wold comments, “As a community, we are very fortunate to have had Dr. Griffith leading our school district for the past 16 years.  His consistent, collaborative approach utilizing committees to include all stakeholders - teachers, staff, parents, administrators, community members and school board members - in the decision making process has served us very well.   I am confident the continuous improvement cycle implemented by Dr. Griffith will continue to improve our educational systems for years to come.”

Lake Forest High School Board President Sharon Golan comments, “I have been fortunate to have served with Dr. Griffith since he first arrived in Lake Forest in 1994.  By working closely with the school boards, educational professionals, and members of the community notable improvements have been made in both school districts.  During Harry’s tenure, we have revised our curriculum, improved our learning standards and programs, and enhanced all of our school facilities. As we seek a new superintendent of schools, the community can be assured we will implement a process, which will involve all school stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.”