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Dennis Soustek, Superintendent
The Superintendent is the chief executive officer for the school district with the authority to manage, supervise, and evaluate all affairs of the system within the policies established by the Board of Education. The Superintendent administers the development and maintenance of an educational program designed to meet the needs of the community and carry out policies of the board. Additionally, he assists the board in developing long-range plans, formulates school objectives, policies, plans, and programs, conducts periodic audits of the total school program, and advises the board on recommendations for the educational advancement of the schools.
dsoustek@orland135.org
Ph: 708-364-3305
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Paul Howell, Ph.D., Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
The Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment oversees instruction-related services offered by Orland School District 135 and works collaboratively with staff members to support student learning. The Director assumes a leadership role in developing curriculum that is aligned to state and national standards; in designing, implementing, and evaluating research-based instructional programs; in ensuring the efficient operation of state and local testing programs; and in utilizing the analysis of learning data as a critical component of instructional decision-making. He develops and monitors state and federal grants, including Title IIA (Teacher Quality), 11-D (Enhancing Education through Technology), Title V (Innovative Programs), the BEAMS Induction/Mentoring grant and the Reading/improvement Block grant. He also guides principals and other building leaders in creating, implementing, and sustaining high quality school improvement plans.
phowell@orland135.org
Ph: 708-364-3315
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Laura Berry, Ed.D., Assistant Director of Curriculum
The Assistant Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment works with the Director, Principals and staff members in developing and implementing research-based programs and curriculum that are aligned to state and national standards. She assists the administration of state and local testing programs and monitors the District Title I Reading/Improvement block grant.
lberry@orland135.org
Ph: 708/364-3319
Dr. Colleen Schultz, Asst. Supt. of Student Services and Director of Special Education
The Assistant Superintendent of Special Education oversees all district special needs programs and works closely with the Superintendent to assure quality programs for students and quality staff development. Dr. Schultz administers the district special education program, directs the student assistance staff, psychologist, and counselors, and develops and monitors all state and federal IDEA grants. As Asst. Superintendent of Student Services, Dr. Schultz is also responsible for the Student Management System and student registration.
cschultz@orland135.org
Ph: 708-364-3331
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Patti Murtagh, Assistant Director of Special Education
The Assistant Director of Special Education and Student Services coordinates the Early Childhood Program, including monitoring the screening, evaluation, and programming for 3-5 year olds. She also coordinates the Cross Categorical Programs and the Extended School Year Program. Mrs. Murtagh works closely with the Director of Special Education in monitoring and supervising district special needs programs. Other responsibilities include organizing and conducting in-service and workshop programs related to Student Services or Special Education, supervision of student services staff and assistance with grants.
pmurtagh@orland135.org
Ph: 708-364-3332
John T. Reiniche, Asst. Supt. for Business Services
The Assistant Superintendent for Business Services works on the daily operations of the district will the goal of providing the necessary financial, accounting, and recordkeeping services to facilitate the best possible educational program. He is the chief financial officer of the district. He also is responsible for transportation and food services.
jreiniche@orland135.org
Ph: 708-364-3312
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Julie Oberwise, Director of Human Resources
The Director coordinates personnel management policies, develops and supervises the evaluation of teachers, and implements a program of professional growth for staff members. Additionally, the Director is responsible for the coordination of substitutes.
joberwise@orland135.org
Ph: 708-364-3308
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Dan Werfelman, Director of Facilities, Maintenance
The Director of Facilities and Maintenance oversees all district schools and grounds while working hand-in-hand with the Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff. The goal of the department is to provide a safe, clean, attractive environment where students can learn and teachers can teach in a satisfying and rewarding atmosphere.
dwerfelman@orland135.org
Ph: 708-364-3310
Rich Kalinski, Director of Technology
The Director of Technology works in partnership with administration and staff members to obtain and maintain the multimedia infrastructure and services necessary to support the school district's business, curriculum, and instructional areas. This includes evaluating and recommending products and vendors, providing support and direction to the district technology team, and working with the district technology committee.
rkalinski@orland135.org
Ph: 708-364-3356
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Bridget McGuiggan, Community Relations Coordinator
The department's mission is to cultivate a culture of communications that links home/school/community in supporting student learning. The Coordinator directs District 135's strategic communications plan to engage our public so that they have an interest in student learning, a stake in student success, and a voice in shaping our student's future. The following venues are used: issues management, community relations, media relations, and web and print communications.
bmcguiggan@orland135.org
Ph: 708-364-3335
Dennis Soustek, Superintendent
With a passion for learning, it is no surprise that Superintendent Dennis Soustek's career would center around that passion, serving as a teacher, principal and now superintendent.
Mr. Soustek graduated from Lewis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and from DePaul University with a Master's in Education, and also has a Certificate of Advanced Study from Lewis University. He has taught a variety of grade levels, ranging from 1st grade to college courses. He has served as Principal for St. Joseph and St. Anne School in Chicago, District 171 in Lansing, District 93 in Hillside, and District 122 in New Lenox. He was named Administrator of the Year in 1994 by the Illinois Association of Student Councils.
Mr. Soustek began his work as Jerling Jr. High's Principal in 1998, where he led 65 staff members and over 750 students. He served on committees to re-organize the Parents for Education group, the instrumental music program and administrator procedures. He accepted the appointment of Superintendent of District 135 in April of 2006.
Mr. Soustek is a member of the National Middle School Association, the Illinois Association of School Administrators, the Illinois Principals Association and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. He currently lives in Tinley Park with his wife and two grown children, Mark and Meghan. He enjoys spending time with his family and all things Mickey Mouse.
Paul Howell, Ph. D., Director of Curriculum
Paul Howell, Ph. D., has always been interested in the field of education and in particular, student learning. He is a product of the Chicago Public Schools, and is a graduate of Morgan Park High School. He was regularly impressed by his outstanding teachers, especially those that promoted a high degree of confidence and trust encouraging his growth of knowledge and independence.
Dr. Howell attended Chicago State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Human Relations Services from Governor's State University. Continuing on, he received his General and Special Administrative endorsements from the National College of Education, and later a Ph.D. in Counseling and Educational Psychology from Loyola University in Chicago.
Dr. Howell's most recent schooling earned him his Superintendent endorsement from Loyola. His 30-year educational career began as a 7th and 8th grade math and science teacher at Ancona Montessori before joining District 135 as a School Psychologist at Park, Jerling and Orland Jr. High. He then taught 6th grade science at Liberty School, and later served as the Counselor for the Academically Talented population at High Point School. He subsequently moved to Orland Jr. High as a School Psychologist, and then was named Assistant Director for Special Education.
He served as the Assistant Principal at Jerling Jr. High for six years, and as the Principal at Centennial School for eight years. In 2008, he was selected as the Director for Curriculum for District 135.
His wife earned her Masters Degree in Social Work and Ph.D. in Early Childhood both from the University of Illinois and was a professor at Roosevelt University and Saint Xavier University. His son Carl earned his Bachelors degree in Audio Design and Acoustics from Columbia University in Chicago and is employed as an audio engineer. His daughter earned her Bachelors in Education from Eastern Illinois University and her Masters in Reading from Saint Xavier University and is employed as a reading specialist.
Dr. Colleen Schultz, Assistant Superintendent for Student ServicesAlthough Dr. Schultz had a late start to her college education, waiting several years after marriage and the birth of her first child, she became the perennial student attending Moraine Valley (1981), St. Xavier University (BA 1984), Northwestern University (MA 1985), Governor State (MA 1994), and Loyola University (Ed. D 2005).
She began her career in 1985 as a Speech-Language Pathologist with Southwest Cooperative and Orland School District. She was named Assistant Director of Student Services/Special Education in 1994 and Director in 1999. In 2007, Dr. Schultz was promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Student Services.
John Reiniche, Assistant Supeintendent for Business Services
Coming from a family of educators and always passionate about accounting, John Reiniche's career in school finance was the perfect fit. After receiving a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois with a major in Public Accounting, John Reiniche spent five years at a CPA firm as an auditor specializing in school districts.
He was hired by Naperville's Indian Prairie School District 204 as the Controller in 1999. John received his Masters degree from Northern Illinois University and his Type 75 Administrative Certificate with a Chief School Business Official endorsement in 2002.
In 2005, Mr. Reiniche was hired as the Assistant Superintendent for Business Services for Orland School District 135, and has led the District in the achievement of several financial awards, including Certificates of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), and the Government Finance Officers Association.
Mr. Reiniche is an active member of the Illinois Chapter of ASBO, currently serving as a member of the Budgeting and Financial Planning Committee, and was selected as a delegate to the Advisory Assembly.
Julie Oberwise, Director of Human ResourcesTo Julie Oberwise, learning is contagious. The teachers and coaches who inspired her to go into education, helped instill her passion.
She attended Northern Illinois University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematical sciences. She continued her education at St. Xavier University where she earned a master's degree in educational administration.
Mrs. Oberwise began her career in District 135 in 1993 as a junior high math teacher. She then served as Assistant Principal at Jerling Jr. High for six years. In 2007, she was named Director of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction, and then 2009 was named the Director of Human Resources.
Julie and her family live in Palos Heights.
Rich Kalinski, Director of Technology
Rich Kalinski attributes his interest in technology to his experience beginning in 3rd grade when he participated in a closed-circuit television news show at school, and multiple technology-based activities in high school.
Mr. Kalinski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Loyola University. He has acquired a variety of networking and technology-related certificates including several from Novell and Microsoft, and attained Apple Educational Sales Consultant (AESC) and IBM Certified Education Specialist (CES) status. He believes all technology-related workers epitomize the definition of ""lifelong learners.""
Prior to joining District 135, Mr. Kalinski was co-owner of Carrier Enterprises, an authorized Apple Education and retail computer dealership in Glen Ellyn, IL. He has also held positions at ComputerLand and Midwest Visual Equipment Company and provided educational audio-visual and computing products and services to a variety of clients in K-12 and higher educational environments.
Mr. Kalinski was named Director of Technology for the District in 1993. His district technology team of in-house experts supports audio-visual, phone, computer and networking needs of all students and staff members. He has also provided consulting, support, installation and training services for Illinois Library Association members, ICE (Illinois Computing Educators), and other educational organizations and business clients. Rich has been a participant at several round-table sessions including Network World and FETC (Florida Educational Technology Conference).
Rich and his wife Laura live in Manhattan and are proud parents of five daughters, one son and four grandsons.
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