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The Brookfield-LaGrange Park District 95 school board wrapped up a three-month search for a new superintendent by naming Mark Kuzniewski to the post. Kuzniewski is principal of Aptakisic Junior High in Buffalo Grove District 102, a high-performing school in an equally high-performing district of some 2,300 students.


Some 96 percent of students at Aptakisic Junior High met or exceeded state standards on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) in 2008, topping the district’s mark of 94 percent. In 2004, prior to Kuzniewski taking over at the school, 80 percent of students met state standards on the ISAT.


Kuzniewski, 39, said he sees District 95 as poised to make the same kinds of improvements.


“Foundationally, this district is ready to get to that level,” Kuzniewski said.


District 95 school board president James Landahl said the board was impressed with Kuzniewski’s emphasis on curriculum, and his record of improving student achievement.


“I think he’s the kind of person that can bring us to the next level in regards to student performance,” Landahl said.


Born and raised in south suburban Harvey and a graduate of Thornwood High School, Kuzniewski earned a doctorate in educational leadership from National-Louis University in December 2008.


He spent eight years as a principal in both Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich. He also spent four years teaching English and coaching at McHenry High School.


Kuzniewski will replace Thomas Hurlburt, who has been superintendent in District 95 since 2006. Hurlburt is leaving to become superintendent of District 157-C in Frankfort.


“Tom and the board have done a nice job over the last three years developing a solid foundation for the district,” Kuzniewski said, “not only financially, but in curriculum and instruction. That was the main thing that attracted me here. And we have the ability to take it to the next level, especially with curriculum and instruction.”


According to the terms of his contract, Kuzniewski will be paid $135,000 annually.