SAM BENTSEN
Pompano Beach
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with extensive experience at Fenton Community High School District 100, adept at strategic planning and budget management. Proven track record in enhancing student engagement and academic outcomes, while fostering community partnerships. Skilled in conflict resolution and committed to equity in education, driving initiatives that promote student success and well-being.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Superintendent
Fenton Community High School District 100
Bensenville
03.2023 - Current
- Served as direct liaison to School Board, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
- Coordinated School Board meetings to ensure smooth operations and agenda alignment.
- Oversaw construction projects, including $34 million STEM Wing Project, ensuring timely completion and under budget to enhance student learning opportunities.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance educational programs and foster community engagement.
- Oversaw district-wide budget management and resource allocation for optimal operation.
- Fostered partnerships with local organizations to promote educational opportunities for students.
- Evaluated school performance data to inform decision-making processes and improvements.
- Managed crisis response protocols to ensure student safety and well-being.
- Advocated for policies supporting equity and access in education for all students.
Associate Superintendent/Principal
Fenton Community High School District 100
Bensenville
07.2020 - 03.2023
- Cultivated academic programs to elevate student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Guided instruction by mentoring teachers to improve leadership and teaching effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented standards for student academic achievement aligned with district, state and local initiatives.
- Facilitated staff meetings to convey policy changes and hear employee input.
- Organized and implemented school-wide initiatives to improve student performance.
- Observed teachers under classroom conditions to track professional abilities and identify areas in need of improvement.
- Oversaw school budgets, documented changes and tracked expenses to allocate and manage school funds.
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Operations
Fenton Community High School District 100
Bensenville
07.2017 - 07.2020
- Analyzed workforce data to develop strategies for enhancing retention rates.
- Negotiated union agreements to ensure seamless operations.
- Resolved employee conflicts through mediation or arbitration.
- Advised management on equitable recruiting practices for talent acquisition.
- Developed policies to comply with federal, state, and local laws.
- Assisted in crafting a comprehensive employee handbook outlining company protocols.
- Organized training sessions on disciplinary actions and diversity initiatives.
- Aligned HR policies with legal requirements.
Director of Student Services
DuPage High School District 88
Villa Park
07.2014 - 07.2017
- Coordination of Special Education Programming for District
- Coordination of Disciplinary Practices for the District
- IDEA grant administration
- Oversight of alternative programming and outside placements for the District
- Oversight of district safety and security practices
- Resolution of residency issues for the District
- Implemented programs and services for students with disabilities, English language learners, and at-risk youth.
- Coordinated meetings between faculty, staff, parents and administrators to ensure efficient communication.
- Managed budgets allocated for student services programs.
- Supervised counselors in providing counseling services for students in need of emotional or behavioral support.
- Maintained records related to student enrollment, disciplinary actions, graduation rates and other relevant data.
- Developed policies regarding student discipline procedures.
- Facilitated staff meetings to convey policy changes and hear employee input.
- Presented resources and opportunities to teaching staff for further professional development and curriculum training courses.
Assistant Principal
Willowbrook High School
Villa Park
07.2007 - 07.2014
- Supervised Deans, Guidance, and Special Education departments to enhance program effectiveness.
- Directed implementation of Literacy curriculum district-wide across multiple content areas.
- Led PBIS and RtI initiatives to strengthen student support systems.
- Evaluated teacher performance through observations, lesson plan reviews, and feedback collection.
- Coordinated alternative education programs to address diverse learning needs effectively.
- Managed safety and security initiatives through collaboration with staff committees.
- Mentored teachers to foster leadership skills and enhance instructional effectiveness.
- Coordinated professional development activities to improve faculty instructional practices.
Director of Deans
Willowbrook High School
Villa Park
07.2005 - 07.2007
- Supervised dean of students, ensuring school safety and enforcing attendance and discipline.
- Coordinated residency programs to support academic and administrative functions.
- Managed hall monitors, maintaining efficient campus security.
- Organized emergency drills to enhance preparedness and response.
- Facilitated advisory groups, engaging community, teachers, and students in dialogue.
- Led initiatives as sexual harassment coordinator, promoting a safe environment.
Dean of Students
Lockport Township High School
07.2001 - 07.2005
- Central campus dean of students with primary responsibility of enforcing student attendance and discipline
- Building level administrator in absence of principal and assistant principal
- Member of discipline, safety/crisis plan, and N.C.A. problem solving committees
- Leader of long term internal growth committee
- Supervisor of co-curricular and athletic events
- Summer school coordinator
- Supported students' academic, health, social and financial needs by connecting students to resources on and off campus.
- Established behavioral procedures to reinforce positive interactions between parents, students and faculty.
- Upheld commitment to educational excellence by promoting and establishing atmosphere of mutual respect and trust between students, faculty and parents.
- Enforced behavior management interventions to improve learning environment and increase academic success.
Social Studies teacher
High Schools
12.1992 - 07.2001
- Taught Various Social Studies courses including: U.S. history, government, economics, and geography to enhance student understanding.
- Head Coach and assistant coach in Boys Basketball, Golf, and Track fostering teamwork and athletic skills.
Education
Educational Doctoral Program - Leadership and Policy
University of Illinois
Champaign, IL01.2017
Masters - Educational Administration
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL01.2000
B.A. - History Secondary Education
Trinity International University
Deerfield, IL01.1993
Skills
- Adjunct Professor for HR and Collective Bargaining as well as Educational Reserach
- Served on Various Boards and Foundations
- Member of DuPage County Safety and Security Task Force
- Member of various community organizations and outreach
- Volunteer in community activities including fundraising and beautification
- Active in church including voluntering and service
References
Available upon request
Capabilities
- Adjunct Professor, University of St Francis, HR and Collective Bargaining, Online Research Class
- Boards and Task Forces, DuPage County Safety and Security Task Force, PBIS State leadership team, Lockport Township Foundation Board, Foundation board sub-committee: finance
- Curriculum Work, Oversight of Professional Development initiatives, Oversight of the master schedule, District oversight of Special Education and Social Studies Common Core implementation, PARCC test coordination, Oversee RTI planning and problem solving teams, Point man- financial literacy interdisciplinary project, Lockport Social Studies consortium representative
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Superintendent
Fenton Community High School District 100
03.2023 - Current
Associate Superintendent/Principal
Fenton Community High School District 100
07.2020 - 03.2023
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Operations
Fenton Community High School District 100
07.2017 - 07.2020
Director of Student Services
DuPage High School District 88
07.2014 - 07.2017
Assistant Principal
Willowbrook High School
07.2007 - 07.2014
Director of Deans
Willowbrook High School
07.2005 - 07.2007
Dean of Students
Lockport Township High School
07.2001 - 07.2005
Social Studies teacher
High Schools
12.1992 - 07.2001
Educational Doctoral Program - Leadership and Policy
University of Illinois
Masters - Educational Administration
Western Illinois University
B.A. - History Secondary Education
Trinity International University
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