Superintendent

Manteno CUSD No. 5 Superintendent Mrs. Lisa Harrod

Finalist, National Superintendent of the Year, 2015 and 2024
Recognized in 2025 for Excellence in Educational Leadership

Meet Lisa Thanos-Harrod, the Superintendent of Manteno Community School District No. 5.

Lisa 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, Lisa 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. She realized early on that relationships built on trust are the cornerstone of building a successful organization where people feel valued and listened to. 

Lisa 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. This was the idea behind creating leadership institutes and academies in grades 5-12 and working to find impactful ways to create leadership experiences for Manteno students at all levels. 

Thanos-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. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree from Aurora University. 

Lisa currently is an instructor at Chicago State University and recently received an award for her work with students in the courses she teaches for Illinois State University. She has owned her own consulting business since 1998. 

Lisa comes to the district with years of experience, teaching all levels from pre-K through grade 12. 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. She enjoyed her time as a coach in these districts as well. 

Lisa Thanos-Harrod 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 and 2024. In 2024, she received the prestigious Rotary Paul Harris Award. 

In reference to her professional honors, Lisa 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."

Lisa has three children, who are all students or graduates of 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. Watching them grow up in Manteno has been a blessing. She is currently one of the team moms for football and now any other sport or activity that asks her to become involved through team dinners, etc. 

Lisa 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. Lisa loves being in the classroom and getting to know our staff and students and their interests. She has recently been called the “Resiliency Lady” for her work with students. She teaches students about public speaking, the transitions to different grade levels and schools, managing stress, and not being afraid to fail. 

We are a family in Manteno and together we are stronger!

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS!