Naperville District 203 Names Bridges New Superintendent

 announced Dan Bridges as the district's new superintendent during a board of education meeting Monday night, according to a district press release.

Earlier: 

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Since April, Bridges has served as interim superintendent after former . Bridges has agreed to a three-year contract effective immediately, according to the district.

District officials conducted a five-month long selection process once Mitrovich announced his resignation in March. Officials said Bridges' focus "on raising student achievement" and "commitment to community engagement" made him an "extremely" qualified candidate for the position. 

“As these discussions matured, we realized we had the perfect person right in front of us, and unlike many interview processes that are over in a matter of weeks, the Board has had the opportunity to observe and evaluate this candidate for over a year," Jaensch said at Monday's meeting, according to the district. "He met every quality we were looking for and we unanimously agreed that this person was the ideal candidate to lead our district forward for what we hope is many years to come.”

Bridges joined District 203 in July 2011 after serving West Aurora School District 129 as principal at the elementary, junior high and high school levels and district athletic director as well as other leadership positions.

A reception to introduce the new superintendent will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 4, prior to the board of education meeting.

Bridges has a Bachelors degree in History and Secondary Education from Millikin University, a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration from NIU. He is also in the process of completing his doctorate in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University and holds an endorsement for superintendent from the State of Illinois. Administration from NIU.