Superintendent

Manteno CUSD No. 5 Superintendent Mrs. Lisa Harrod

Main Page ImageMeet Lisa Harrod, the superintendent of Manteno Community School District No. 5.

Harrod grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the Beverly area and attended St. Francis De Sales High School, where her father was the head football coach.

Ever since she was little, Harrod knew that she wanted to go into education. Her parents were both teachers and instilled in her the importance of education and its potential to make a difference in a child's life.

Harrod said, "I now understand just how right they were, and I always remember that every student you are fortunate to teach, you have the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression."

Harrod attended Northern Illinois University, where she studied Communication Disorders/Speech and Language Pathology. She then went on to obtain two Master's Degrees from Chicago State University, one in Special Education and the second in Curriculum, Leadership, and Educational Foundations.She completed her coursework leading to certification for Superintendency at Western Illinois University.

Harrod comes to the district with years of experience, teaching all levels from pre-K through grade 12 and at the university level as an adjunct instructor. She was a speech therapist in the south suburbs for two years and then taught special education classes as a resource specialist until pursuing an administrative position.

In addition, she was director of special education in Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview School District #89. She spent the last nine years as assistant superintendent in Steger School District 194.

The new superintendent has had many accolades throughout her career. In 2008, she was awarded the Phi Delta Kappa International Emergent Leader award.

Also in 2008, she received the Steger School District Distinguished Educator Award and in 2010, was awarded the Chicago State University/Phi Delta Kappa Educator of the Year.

In reference to her professional honors, Harrod remarks, "I have learned that nothing is ever accomplished alone. I have been blessed with working with wonderful people in my career."

Harrod and her husband, Jason, have been married for nine years. The couple has three children, ages seven, five and seven months. "I enjoy every minute we spend together as a family, especially those Friday movie nights!" she said.

Harrod has lived in Manteno since 1998. She was looking for a community with great schools where she could raise a family. It is a town where she continues to be proud to live in and call her home.

While not working, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, traveling and sports. She said, "I am a huge sports fan and most people know by now I love the White Sox, Blackhawks, Green Bay Packers, and University of Alabama Crimson Tide!"

Harrod is very excited to join the district as the new Superintendent of Manteno Community Unit School District No 5. She shared, "There is nowhere else I would rather be. The community is so supportive and invested in our schools and that has always impressed me.

"I was fortunate to get to know many of the staff members through consulting I did and knew there was something exceptional about the district and the educational experience we are providing for our students. There are so many wonderful things happening in our classrooms and the support we receive from families is amazing."

She added, "I have met so many fantastic people though MYBSL (Manteno Youth Baseball and Softball League), Wildcat Football and volunteering in the classrooms, and it made the decision to come here an easy one for me.

"I want to continue the fine reputation the district has and work with all stakeholders to move us even further in the future. This is truly a special place with special people. I am very honored to be here."