David J. Laben
DeKalb High School
Montgomery,IL
1
Certification
28
years of professional experience
Professional leader with deep experience in education administration and overall business operations. Proven track record in fostering positive student and professional development with effective conflict resolution. Strong focus on team collaboration and driving results, adaptable to changing needs. Skilled in strategic planning, student and employee engagement, and policy implementation. Respected for integrity, communication, and leadership abilities.
Work History
Dean of Students / Organizational Leader
2 Years 5 Months- Directed daily operations supporting a large organization serving students, employees, and community stakeholders.
- Managed employee performance through coaching, evaluations, accountability, and professional development.
- Collaborated with administrative leadership to implement operational initiatives and organizational improvements.
- Led conflict resolution efforts and developed solutions to improve workplace culture and organizational effectiveness.
- Monitored operational metrics and utilized data to improve performance and decision-making to better student outcomes.
- Coordinated safety initiatives, crisis response, and operational planning.
Case Manager / Program Manager
3 Years 6 Months- Managed multiple curricular programs and developed customized instructional materials while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Facilitated planning meetings, maintained detailed documentation, and ensured regulatory compliance.
- Built strong relationships with clients, families, and internal stakeholders.
- Managed individualized service plans and coordinated cross-functional teams.
- Participated in organizational improvement initiatives focused on diversity, quality, and process improvement.
- Worked collaboratively with leadership to improve operational and student outcomes.
Assistant Principal / Organizational Leader
10 Months- Directed departmental operations including staffing, hiring, budgeting, compliance, and performance management.
- Supervised professional staff and provided leadership coaching and performance evaluations.
- Managed grant-funded programs and departmental budgets.
- Partnered with executive leadership to improve organizational performance and service delivery.
- Oversaw regulatory compliance and organizational reporting.
Assistant Principal / Organizational Leader
11 Months- Managed operational activities across multiple educational programs.
- Led employee evaluations, coaching, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborated with leadership teams to improve organizational processes and student outcomes.
- Coordinated cross-functional projects supporting organizational goals.
Case Manager / Program Manager
5 Years- Managed multiple projects involving technology implementation, workforce development, behavioral support, and employee training.
- Coordinated stakeholder communication across departments.
- Utilized data analysis to improve organizational performance and program effectiveness.
- Worked collaboratively with leadership to improve operational and student outcomes.
Workforce Development Coordinator
1 Year- Managed career development programs and regional business partnerships.
- Coordinated workforce readiness initiatives with higher education institutions and local employers.
- Managed grant funding in support of professional growth and enhancing student learning outcomes.
- Developed curriculum and facilitated career readiness and business courses to high school students.
Human Resources Professional
10 Years 3 Months- Managed employee relations, labor relations, recruitment, onboarding, and policy administration.
- Conducted workplace investigations and resolved employee concerns.
- Developed performance management systems and leadership development initiatives.
- Partnered with executive leadership on workforce planning and organizational strategy.
- Supported union relationships, employee engagement, and compliance with employment regulations.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Master of Arts - Teaching
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations
Skills
Led cross-functional teams through organizational change initiatives.
Managed hiring
onboarding
employee development
and performance evaluation.
Directed compliance with federal
state
and organizational regulations.
Improved organizational effectiveness through strategic planning and data analysis.
Built collaborative relationships with executives
employees
customers
and community partners.
Experienced in conflict resolution
coaching
continuous improvement
and operational leadership.
Certification
- Illinois Director of Special Education License (2025)
- Illinois Administrative License (2018)
- Illinois Secondary Education License with Middle School Endorsement (2011)
Timeline
Dean of Students / Organizational Leader
DeKalb High School
02.2024 - 07.2026Read More
Case Manager / Program Manager
DeKalb High School & Clinton Rosette Middle School
08.2020 - 02.2024Read More
Assistant Principal / Organizational Leader
Hononegah High School
08.2019 - 06.2020Read More
Assistant Principal / Organizational Leader
Kishwaukee Education Consortium
08.2018 - 07.2019Read More
Case Manager / Program Manager
East Aurora School District 131
08.2013 - 08.2018Read More
Workforce Development Coordinator
Byron Community Unit School District 226
08.2012 - 08.2013Read More
Human Resources Professional
Private Industry
07.1998 - 10.2008Read More
Northern Illinois University
Master of Science from Educational Administration
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National Louis University
Master of Arts from Teaching
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Monmouth College
Bachelor of Arts from Public Relations
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