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New leader chosen in Burr Ridge Gower 62
Victor Simon will be Gower District 62's next superintendent. He starts the job July 1.
Updated: February 25, 2013 2:22AM
BURR RIDGE — The Gower Elementary District 62 School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Victor Simon as the district’s new leader.
Simon, who will begin his job on July 1, 2013, comes to Gower from the Chicago Public Schools, where he serves as the chief of schools, overseeing the Pershing Elementary School Network of 31 schools and about 21,000 students.
Simon mentioned Gower’s long history of excellence and innovation among the things that attracted him to the district.
“Everyone I met in the district — board members, teachers, parents, and administrators — are truly committed to bringing out the best in students. I believe that together, we can do great things for the children and families we serve,” Simon said.
Simon was chosen from a field of more than 80 applicants. Gower 62 Board President Ryan Asmus said it was Simon’s vision for Gower’s future that made him the candidate of choice.
“He has a proven track record of implementing great ideas around teaching and learning that will serve our students and staff well,” Asmus said.
A graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, Simon has spent his entire career with the Chicago Public Schools, where he started as a teacher. He earned a master’s degree in leadership and administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and expects to be awarded his doctorate in educational leadership next May from the same university.
Simon is married with two children. He will replace Superintendent Steve Griesbach, who will retire June 30 after a 34-year career, eight of which were spent as leader of Gower 62.
Simon will be paid $156,000 per year.
