CREST HILL – A new leader will take charge at Richland School District 88A this summer.

Joe Simpkins will lead the kindergarten through eighth grade Crest Hill district starting July 1, after longtime superintendent Michael Early retires June 30. Simpkins will come from River Grove District 85.5, which he has led as superintendent since 2015.

“It’s a great school district. They got a lot of great programming for kids,” Simpkins said of Richland.

The community will have a chance to meet Simpkins and his wife at a reception that will be held in conjunction with the Feb. 15 school board meeting, according to a district news release.

Simpkins said he wants to continue the work of the board and Early. Richland is also located close to home – as he and his family reside in Frankfort – and has good staff doing cutting-edge work, he said.

“It’s good to be back in the Joliet area,” Simpkins said.

Simpkins was chosen to become the new superintendent at the Jan. 18 board meeting.

Richland board President Julie Starasinich stated in a news release that the district’s search for a new superintendent “drew interest from many talented and experienced candidates.”

After an intensive selection process, the board was proud to name Simpkins as the new superintendent, she stated.

“The board prioritized completing the process in a timely manner to allow ample time for a smooth transition of leadership. [Simpkins] brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Richland that will continue to provide our students with the best education experience possible,” Starasinich stated.

Early stated in an email Friday that he was looking forward to working with Simpkins in providing a “seamless transition of leadership.”

Simpkins has previously worked as a principal at Plainfield School District 202, Frankfort School District 157-C and Forestville Valley School District 221.

He holds advanced education degrees from Northern Illinois University and Western Illinois University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University.

Simpkins has also received a chief school business official endorsement from Governors State University.