Jamie DiCarlo, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for Mundelein School Districts 75 and 120, received a regional leadership award on February 26 for her work in special education. 

The Special Education Leadership Award was presented by the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) during the group’s Winter Conference in Champaign. DiCarlo received the award for Region 1 which includes all of Lake, McHenry and Kane counties and the north part of Cook County.

DiCarlo met the criteria as an administrator who exhibits strong leadership in special education programs, demonstrates loyalty to colleagues and the professional organization, displays commitment and strong professional standards. She was nominated by Mundelein High School Director of Special Education Kim Goldberg.

Goldberg noted DiCarlo’s “exceptional leadership abilities, unwavering dedication to our educational community and remarkable capacity to drive positive change.

“I have rarely encountered a leader who combines such profound knowledge of educational systems with genuine compassion for students and families,” Goldberg wrote. “She works tirelessly to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, every parent feels heard and every staff member feels supported.”

DiCarlo, who grew up in Mundelein, has been with District 120 since 2015. She eventually took leadership of Student Services for both District 120 and Mundelein Elementary District 75 under a shared services role. Under her leadership, District 120 began its Transition Program which has become a regional model. The program enables young adults who need additional help transitioning to adult life after high school.

Goldberg also noted DiCarlo’s ability to balance complex organizational needs as she coordinates shared services between two school districts.

“She navigates challenging situations with grace and wisdom,” Goldberg wrote. “Her collaborative approach has fostered a culture of trust and mutual respect.”