The High School District 211 Board of Education appointed Dr. Judith Campbell as superintendent on Thursday. Campbell will replace current superintendent Dr. Lisa Small after she retires beginning July 1.

Her appointment was made by a 5-1 vote by the board of education, with member Pete Dombrowski casting the dissenting vote and member Curtis Bradley being absent.

Campbell is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, where she worked to develop skills for connecting with and motivating children.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Campbell as our next District 211 leader,” Board President Anna Klimkowicz said. “It is clear she is committed to empowering students to achieve their greatest potential, which aligns directly with our own mission. Her track record of educational rigor and success also supports our values of innovation, equity, wellness, and accountability. Our board is confident in her ability to build on our prior successes and continue to maintain and create a legacy of excellence.”

Campbell’s initial contract with the district is for four years with a gross salary of $275,000.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the next superintendent of Township High School District 211,” Campbell said in a statement. “Our community deserves to celebrate the incredible achievements within District 211, and I am excited to share and amplify these stories.”

Her appointment comes after a national search, including various focus groups and a survey of over 2,000 staff, students, and community members, where they shared their input on preferred characteristics in a new leader of District 211.