Dr. Jennifer Hester Hired as Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning

The District 200 Board of Education has unanimously approved the hiring of Dr. Jennifer Hester as assistant superintendent for student learning, effective July 1, 2025. 

Since 2020, Dr. Hester has served as the director of curriculum, instruction, and professional development at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233. There she has led teams of district leaders and teachers in implementing strategic goals for educational equity, academic achievement, college and career readiness, and staff professional learning, impacting more than 2,900 students and 350 staff members. 

Dr. Hester has a deep background in curriculum and instruction leadership, having served as chief academic officer at Naperville Community School District 203, director of curriculum at Community Unit School District 303 in St. Charles, and  deputy chief officer of literacy at Chicago Public Schools.

“I’m thrilled to have Dr. Hester join the district,” Supt. Greg Johnson said. “She really stood out among the other candidates for her array of experience in large, diverse districts, expertise in curricular knowledge, passion for classroom instruction, and understanding of data and school metrics. She’ll be a tremendous asset as we work to ensure all students can achieve their full potential, both here at OPRF and once they graduate.” 

Dr. Hester, who began her career in elementary education, has a master’s in educational leadership and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, both from the University of Illinois at Chicago.