Superintendent

Manteno CUSD No. 5 Superintendent Mrs. Lisa Harrod

Meet 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." These relationships and connections will continue to benefit all of us even after our students leave our district.

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. She completed a two year certification course at Harvard University and holds numerous certifications from Universities across the country. She is an avid believer in personal improvement and the importance of a growth mindset. 

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 nine years as assistant superintendent in Steger School District 194.

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. She was a finalist for the National Association of School Superintendents Superintendent of the Year award in 2015. 

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. The Manteno team is the strongest I have ever worked with and makes decisions in conjunction with our wonderful board of education that are always in the best interest of our students and placing them first."

Harrod and her husband, Jason, have been married for 19 years. The couple has three children, who are all students in the Manteno School District. "I enjoy every minute we spend together as a family, especially those movie nights and attending all of the extracurriculars and athletic events!" 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, Green Bay Packers, and University of Alabama Crimson Tide!"

"I was fortunate to get to know many of the staff members through consulting for 5 years with the district.  I realized 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."

This support and big idea thinking has led to supports and programs that are unmatched. One example of this is the leadership academy coursework at our high school and the leadership and opportunity offerings at our elementary and middle schools. Lisa loves being in the classroom and getting to know our staff and students and their interests. 

We are Manteno and together we are stronger!