Illinois Superintendent Jennifer Kelsall Named ܲAVƵPresident-Elect

March 10, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

Contact: 

Lara Wade  

Director of Communications 

Mobile: (813) 833-1498  

 

Alexandria, Va. – March 10, 2026 – Jennifer Kelsall, Superintendent of Ridgewood High School District 234 in Norridge, IL was voted as the 2026-27 president-elect of AASA, ܲAVƵ, which represents more than 13,000 school system leaders nationwide and serves as the voice for education and district leadership on Capitol Hill. 

 

Kelsall has been the superintendent of Ridgewood High School District 234 since 2014, and she previously served as principal in the district from 2008 to 2014. Throughout her career, she has focused on strengthening school-community partnerships, supporting innovative learning opportunities, and ensuring that all students have access to meaningful educational experiences. 

 

“I am honored and humbled to have been elected by my peers to serve as the next President-Elect of AASA. I am incredibly excited to begin this work alongside such dedicated leaders from across the country,” Kelsall said. “As ܲAVƵpresident-elect, I will ensure that our association remains a steadfast, credible advocate for every superintendent in every context. Leadership is earned through doing the work.  I look forward to serving those in the organization and the students we represent by elevating our collective voice and amplifying the Public Education Promise.  Thank you for your trust; I am ready to get to work.”  

 

Kelsall was selected through AASA’s national election process and will work alongside the association’s leadership and governing boards to advance AASA’s mission of supporting and developing effective school system leaders, and to advocate for the students and communities they serve. 

 

As an ܲAVƵmember since 2014, Kelsall has played an active role in the association’s leadership and professional initiatives. She served on the ܲAVƵGoverning Board from 2018–2024, and she currently serves on the AASA Executive Committee. She has also contributed to the organization as a conference presenter and mentor in AASA’s Aspiring Superintendent Cohort. 

 

"Superintendent Kelsall has been an integral part of ܲAVƵfor more than decade – and in her role as Superintendent of Ridgewood High School District 234, she has provided strong, transformative leadership for the students, families and community she serves by building strong partnerships and supporting innovation in teaching and learning,” David R. Schuler, executive director, ܲAVƵsaid. "I look forward to working closely with Jennifer in her new role as president-elect to help create brighter futures for district leaders and to ensure that students across the country are prepared to thrive and succeed in a future we have yet to imagine."

 

Kelsall holds a Ph.D. from Illinois State University, a master’s degree from Governors State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. 

 

For more information about ܲAVƵand its leadership initiatives, visit www.aasa.org

 

 

### 

ܲAVƵ 
AASA, ܲAVƵ, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org