As interim superintendent Constance Rupert Collins replaces North Chicago School District 187 Superintendent John Price after nine years and a new chair of the district’s Independent Authority — Kevin Considine — takes over July 1, new leadership will guide the city’s schools.
Collins will serve through June 30, 2027, unless a permanent replacement for Price is hired sooner. Considine’s tenure ends in May when an elected school board replaces the Independent Authority—the de facto board appointed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Considine was appointed chair of the Independent Authority effective July 1 by Illinois State Superintendent of Schools Tony Sanders on Tuesday in Springfield, replacing Sylvia Johnson Jones, whose term ends on June 30.
Sanders said in an email that Considine’s experience as president and CEO of Lake County Partners, as well as decades of service to communities throughout the county, make him an ideal and timely choice as the Independent Authority disbands and an elected board returns.
Among Considine’s accomplishments was working with community leaders, including Jones, to establish the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem. Sanders said it shows his collaborative talent at a time it is needed in the district.
“These skills and experiences will be invaluable as the Independent Authority completes the final transition from an appointed body to a fully elected school board,” Sanders said in the email.
With little more than half of North Chicago Community High School’s seniors graduating in 2012 and District 187 in dire financial straits, ISBE took control of the district and dissolved the then-elected Board of Education.
ISBE replaced the elected board with both the Independent Authority of seven individuals — not all from North Chicago — to perform the duties of a school board overseeing the superintendent and a Financial Oversight Panel to exercise fiscal control.
Jones joined the Independent Authority in 2013, became chair in November, and will remain until her term expires on June 30. Three community members were elected in April, 2025; four more will be chosen in April 2027 to create a fully elected board, disbanding the Independent Authority.
Considine said he has worked at Lake County Partners to bring economic opportunities to North Chicago. He has succeeded in helping several businesses open or expand in the city. He looks forward to helping with the transition to an elected board.
“This is an exciting time for District 187 as it transitions back to having a fully elected board next spring,” Considine said. “This is a really big deal, and I am honored to be a part of it. But most of all, I believe that when you’re asked to serve, you say yes.”
As he takes the gavel, Considine said listening to Collins and his colleagues on the Independent Authority as well as supporting their efforts is vital. Caring is a reason he took the job. He used a parable from a friend to explain his reasoning.
“A friend of mine who owns a local restaurant, when asked what he looks for in hiring staff, says he starts with people who care,” Considine said. “If people care about doing a good job, you can build from there. I care.”
Over the years, Considine said he has served on a variety of boards including chairing the Lake County Housing Authority, development authorities and park districts. He recognizes a school board is different.
“Schools are unique – it’s all about the kids,” Considine said.
Working with Considine, creating the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem as the executive director of community and workforce partnerships, career and job placement center at the College of Lake County, Jones said he is a good choice for the job.
“He has demonstrated a strong commitment to Lake County, collaboration and community impact throughout his career,” Jones said. “Leadership transitions are important, and I believe the district and the Independent Authority will benefit from his experience, fresh perspective, and dedication to serving students and families.”
Although her tenure was set to expire next May, Jones said obligations to aging family members prompted her decision to retire from the Independent Authority. Family is also an important part of her life
“At this stage of my life, it is important that I prioritize my family, particularly as I attend to the needs of aging loved ones,” Jones said. “This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right one for both my family and the district.”
During her time on the Independent Authority, Jones said she was delighted of the collaborative effort with board members, teachers, families and community partners. As chair, she said she was proud of the authority’s fiscal responsibility and student-centered approach to leadership.
“Together, we navigated challenges, strengthened governance, supported academic opportunities, and worked to improve the overall stability and accountability of the district,” Jones said. “I believe the district is positioned to continue moving forward with strong leadership and a clear focus on student achievement.”
