Ramona DeCristofaro named Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
Ramona “Romy” DeCristofaro was named the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at the December 18 Board of Education Meeting.
DeCristofaro comes to the district with two decades of experience in special education, having most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in Evanston/Skokie School District 65 for the last five years.
In that role she oversees special education, multilingual programs, health services, early childhood programs and services for students experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness.
“I am honored and excited to join the District 62 team and community. The vision and values of District 62 are very much aligned with my personal values of equity, collaboration and continuous improvement,” said DeCristofaro. “I have been impressed and felt so welcomed by everyone I have met so far. I can’t wait to start partnering with the educators, leaders and families to build on the good things that are already happening to support student empowerment and success.”
The Assistant Superintendent for Student Services is responsible for leading, managing and overseeing all aspects of the Student Services department. The Assistant Superintendent for Student Services directs the planning, development, organization, management, direction, and implementation of all aspects of Student Services for the district which include, but are not limited to, special education, student discipline, interventions, early childhood programs, social emotional learning, student safety, Section 504 and serve as a complaint manager and Title IX coordinator.
Prior to working in Evanston/Skokie, DeCristofaro spent 12 years in Wilmette School District 39 holding various teaching and leadership roles within the field of special education. She started her career in Sycamore Consolidated School District 427 as a special education teacher in 2003.
“I’m excited to welcome Dr. Ramona DeCristofaro to our administrative team,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Amadei. “Dr. DeCristofaro has extensive experience within the field of special education as well as teaching and learning. I look forward to supporting her as she focuses on continuing the critical work ahead of us to prioritize student needs, support the whole child and foster genuine relationships with the families of Community Consolidated School District 62.”
DeCristofaro received her Bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and holds Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and in Special Education Advanced Practices from Northern Illinois University. DeCristofaro received her Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from the University of Illinois-Chicago.
DeCristofaro lives in Lake Zurich, IL with her husband Enzo, daughters Edéa (7th grade) and Graziana “Grace” (5th grade), and two rescue dogs.
DeCristofaro is set to begin July 1, 2024.
“Throughout my career in public education, I have had the benefit of working with incredible educators and leaders who have shaped my perspective and how I lead,” said DeCristofaro. “I care deeply about family partnerships and creating inclusive environments where students feel a sense of belonging. One of the reasons I am so passionate about this work is because I know that when we work together to meet the needs of our students who need it the most, everyone in the learning community benefits.”
- CCSD62