Dist. 87 names Glenbard South principal, assistant superintendent

Glenbard South High School


The Glenbard District 87 Board of Education Monday approved the naming of Glenbard South Assistant Principal for Instruction Jessica Santee the next principal at Glenbard South High School, effective July 1.

Santee will replace Sandra Coughlin, who will retire on June 30,” Santee said in a statement. “I am incredibly honored to step into the role of principal at Glenbard South.  I have learned over the past two years that Glenbard South is truly a special place to be with an innovative and caring staff alongside dedicated students and families. I look forward to carrying on the tradition of excellence with a focus on continuous improvement, student engagement and belonging.”

“After a comprehensive search and selection process, I am pleased we have such a collaborative, student-centered administrator as Ms. Santee to be Glenbard South’s next principal,” District 87 Superintendent David Larson said in a statement. “I am impressed with Ms. Santee’s strong background in curriculum and instruction, as well as her focus on data and her problem-solving skills. I am confident her vision for educational excellence will continue our good work related to our Profile of a Graduate.”

Santee has been Glenbard South assistant principal for instruction since 2019. Prior to that, she was assistant principal for curriculum and instruction at Lisle High School from 2016 to 2019. She was York High School’s research and social sciences division chair from 2014 to 2016 and social studies department coordinator from 2012 to 2014. Santee taught social studies at York from 2008 to 2016. She has additional teaching, coaching and mentoring experience at Aurora (Ohio) High School, Amelia (Ohio) High School and Elmwood Park High School.

Santee earned a master’s of educational leadership degree from North Central College, a master’s of secondary education degree from the University of Cincinnati and bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University.

The school board also named Seth Chapman assistant superintendent for finance and operations, effective July 1. Chapman will replace Chris McClain, who will retire on June 30.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Glenbard High School District 87 team,” Chapman said in a statement. “The district has a strong reputation for both financial and academic success. I look forward to carrying on the excellent work that Mr. McClain has done to support high student achievement for all students. Having lived in Lombard and completed my chief school business official (CSBO) internship at Community Consolidated School District 89 15 years ago, I am excited to be able to return and serve in the community where my career in education started.”

Chapman is assistant superintendent of business services/chief financial officer in Community Unit School District 303 in St. Charles. He has been in that position since 2013.

His previous experience includes director of business services and facilities with Northern Suburban Special Education District in Highland Park from 2010 to 2013 and business manager with A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative in Burbank from 2007 to 2010.

Chapman is an adjunct professor at Aurora University, teaching advanced operations in the university’s doctoral program. He is in his third year as director on the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) board and currently co-leading the equity and diversity steering committee. He also is treasurer with the Rotary of St. Charles noon club.

“We are excited about Seth Chapman joining Glenbard’s leadership team,” Larson said in a statement. “His background and experience will complement our organization, and we look forward to his many future contributions.” 

Chapman earned his doctoral, education administration and master’s of science/education-school business management degress from Northern Illinois University. He earned a bachelor’s of business administration in finance from the University of Iowa.