New District Administrators Announced

Sycamore Community School District 427 is excited to announce the District’s next Director of Learning and Teaching and Director of Communications and Community Engagement.  

Lauren Holtz will become the District’s next Director of Communications and Community Engagement. Lauren comes with over a decade of experience in marketing and communications with an emphasis on non-profits and special events. Lauren is no stranger to the District and currently serves as the Executive Director for the Sycamore Education Foundation.

“I am honored and grateful to be selected for this role and to serve the Sycamore community. I understand the value that communications brings to our families, and I look forward to celebrating the work of the Sycamore Community School District through consistent, creative, and compelling storytelling,” said Holtz. 

Before joining the school district in October 2019, Holtz worked for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce as Director of Marketing & Communications. She holds a Master of  Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Marketing with an Interactive Marketing certificate from Northern Illinois University, and is a Sycamore High School alumna. Lauren replaces David Olson, who recently accepted a new position with Glenbrook High School District 225. Lauren will begin her new role on April 25, 2022.

Mike Rice will be the District’s next Director of Learning and Teaching.  Mike began his teaching career as an English teacher in Harlem School District 122 and continued teaching at Sycamore High School from 2005-2013, where he also served as a Literacy Facilitator. He then joined Kaneland School District 302 and served as Assistant Principal for Curriculum & Instruction/Student Services and Director of Educational Services for Grades 6-12. In the fall of 2019, Mike returned to Sycamore High School and in August 2020, became Assistant Principal. 

“Sycamore Schools have been an important part of my life for the past fifteen years. This school district is poised to achieve incredible things in the next few years. I am incredibly excited to begin serving the District and its stakeholders in this new capacity," said Rice.

Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in English, with a teaching certificate from Northern Illinois University.  He then went on to earn a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from NIU and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, with his type 75 certification from the American College of Education. Mike replaces Dr. Kris Webster, who was recently named Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning and Accountability for another school district. Rice will begin these responsibilities on July 1, 2022. 

Superintendent of Schools Steve Wilder said, “We are excited to have Lauren and Mike join the District’s administrative team and bring their unique perspectives to Sycamore Schools. They both come to their new positions with an extensive background in the school district, which positions them both for a smooth transition to these new roles, which will begin this spring. I also want to congratulate Dr. Webster and Mr. Olson on their new roles and thank them for their years of dedicated service to our students and community.