District 230 superintendent to retire at end of school year

James Gay

By Dermot Connolly

District 230 Supt. Dr. James M. Gay informed staff on Aug.10 that he plans to retire at the end of this school year, his 15^th as superintendent.

The District 230 School Board plans to discuss the next steps regarding the search for his successor at their Aug. 27 meeting,

“Today, I share with you that I am nearing the end of my chapter in the District 230 history book,” Gay told staff members through a live-streamed Institute Day presentation from the Administration Center to the three district high schools—Stagg in Palos Hills, Sandburg in Orland Park, and Andrew in Tinley Park. “I have had long conversations with my wife about this decision over the past couple of years and last semester I began conversations with the School Board about my retirement.”

Gay joined District 230 in 2000 as assistant principal at Andrew, and was principal there for four years. In 2006, he was named deputy superintendent, and was promoted to superintendent the following year.

This is his 33rd in administration, and his 37th in education. He was a history teacher, coach, and principal at De La Salle Institute in Chicago before joining District 230 in 2000.

“I have been blessed with an amazing career over the past 37 years as an educator—a vocation like none other! I have been blessed because I have had the opportunity to work with people like you. I love this district and every single member of the D230 family. Nevertheless, I know it is time to move on,” he said.

“I am grateful to be part of the District 230 story for the past two decades,” he continued. “In that time, many amazing educators, students, families, and community members have shaped District 230 into the incredible school district that it is today. I am grateful to call you my colleagues and friends. And I am confident that those who write the next chapters will provide the innovative education our students deserve and our community expects.”

“For now, we need to roll up our sleeves and get ready to work for the students entrusted into our care today,” he concluded. “They have four short years in high school. And, we have a responsibility to prepare them for their future, no matter what path they choose.”

“With Dr. Gay’s leadership, our schools have made a lasting impact on our students, community, state, and world,” said District 230 School Board President Tony Serratore. “His genuine care and concern for every student, teacher and staff member is the hallmark of his career. While we will be sad to see him retire at the end of the school year, we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to the district and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.”