North Chicago, Illinois—North Chicago Community Unit School District 187 is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Vincent Iturralde as the new Chief Operations Officer, effective 2024-2025. Dr. Iturralde brings over 27 years of experience in education to this role and has a track record of promoting operational excellence and strategic growth.
A Leader in Educational Excellence
Dr. Vincent Iturralde, the Chief Operations Officer for North Chicago School District 187, will oversee the district’s operations, security, facilities, and school leadership. Dr. Iturralde has proven experience as an Educational Leadership Consultant, a Transformational Coordinator for North Chicago School District 187, a Leadership Coach for the University of Illinois Center for Urban Education Leadership, and a Part-Time Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign and Concordia University. Before these positions, Dr. Iturralde was the founding principal of the Tarkington School of Excellence in Chicago, IL, where he successfully coached and mentored 18 individuals who would become outstanding principals and district leaders.
He has his Educational Doctorate and Master of Education from the University of Illinois in Chicago, focusing on urban school leadership and transformative change. He was an educator in the Chicago Public Schools system for 20 years, teaching science, social studies, sixth grade, and technology in high-minority inner-city schools. He has also worked as a district-level Technology Coordinator and School Improvement Coordinator, closely monitoring School Improvement Plans and discretionary spending for several schools.
In 2008, Dr. Iturralde became a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and, in 2009, received the Re-Generation Award for Excellence in Environmental Education from the U. S. Department of Green Building Council. He is also an active member of the Illinois Principals Association and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Dr. Vincent Iturralde strongly advocates for improving and retaining highly qualified teachers in the neediest inner-city schools. He continues to advocate for the college and career path for all PreK – 12 students.
Expertise in Action
Dr. Iturralde deeply understands operational frameworks and their impact on educational success. Throughout his career, he has:
Developed and implemented robust operational systems to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Led strategic planning efforts to drive continuous district and school improvement.
Fostered a collaborative culture that empowers staff to achieve their best.
A Vision for the Future
“I am honored to step into the role of Deputy Superintendent for North Chicago School District 187. This new chapter brings the incredible opportunity to collaborate with dedicated educators, students, and community members to elevate our educational standards,” said Dr. Iturralde. “I look forward to embarking on this journey and am deeply committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive.” He shared. “Together, we will implement innovative strategies, strengthen our academic programs, and ensure that every student is equipped with the tools they need to author their own stories of success successfully.”
About North Chicago Community Unit School District 187
D187, a PK-12 public school district in North Chicago, IL, is deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students. With a mission to empower each child to write their own story of success and to prepare each child, academically and socially, to pursue and realize their unique purpose, we strive to instill confidence and reassurance in our community.