District 99 Names New Assistant Superintendent for Learning Resources

At its meeting on March 16, 2026, the District 99 Board of Education approved Dr. Amanda Brode-Rico as the district’s new assistant superintendent for learning resources. Dr. Brode-Rico will begin on July 1, 2026. She will replace Dr. Travis McGuire, who will become superintendent at Cass School District 63.

I am honored and excited to join District 99 as the Assistant Superintendent of Learning Resources,” said Dr. Brode-Rico. “I look forward to working alongside such a dedicated team of educators and leaders and becoming part of a community that clearly values innovation, collaboration, and student success. I’m eager to support the continued growth of all students.”

Dr. Brode-Rico currently serves as Principal of Elmwood Park High School, where she leads a comprehensive high school of approximately 1,000 students and oversees instructional leadership, safety and security systems, operational planning, and schoolwide improvement initiatives. Her background as both a principal and district collaborator reflects the blend of instructional understanding and operational leadership required for this role. 

Dr. Brode-Rico brings more than two decades of experience in high school education, having served as an athletic director, assistant principal, and teacher leader. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education, a master’s degree in educational policy studies, and a doctorate in education from the University of Illinois, as well as a master’s degree in special education from Concordia University. She also maintains a Superintendent endorsement and was named the 2025 Illinois Principals Association High School Principal of the Year for the West Cook Region.

“I am confident that Amanda will bring strong leadership, operational clarity, and a student-centered perspective to this role,” said Dr. Hank Thiele, superintendent of District 99. “She will provide immediate value to the district’s leadership team as we continue advancing our work across facilities, technology, safety, and district resources.”

The interview process was collaborative and included staff members from multiple departments. Panelists highlighted her experience managing school safety procedures, addressing complex operational challenges, and leading organizational improvement efforts in large high school environments. These strengths align closely with the responsibilities of this role as the district continues to strengthen systems that support facilities, technology infrastructure, security, enrollment, and the overall learning environment.

Dr. Brode-Rico is an avid runner and has completed five marathons, including one in Berlin, Germany.