Dr. Keisha Campbell’s journey from York student to D205 superintendent

Photos courtesy of Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Elmhurst Magazine connected with Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell for an in-depth Q&A about the personal and professional journey that led her back to the community where it all began. A York High School graduate and lifelong educator, Dr. Campbell reflects on how her early experiences shaped her passion for teaching and leadership, shares her vision for the future of Elmhurst District 205, and discusses the values guiding her mission to help every student reach their full potential.

Elmhurst Magazine (EM): Can you share a bit about your path into education and what inspired you to pursue school leadership?

Dr. Keisha Campbell: As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an educator. From playing school with my stuffed animals to spending summers at my mom’s school, supporting teachers during summer programs, and acting as an informal teacher’s assistant, the love for teaching was always there. That passion continued at York High School, where I participated in the Invite to Teach program—an experience that led to my nomination for and receipt of the Golden Apple Scholarship. After graduating from York, I went on to study Elementary Education at Illinois State University. My mom often reminds me that I’ve been saying I wanted to be a teacher since I was in preschool.

As for school leadership, I never set out to become an administrator—I still consider myself a teacher at heart. My classroom just grew over time. I began teaching fourth and fifth grade, then became a school-based literacy coach and later a district literacy coordinator. From there, I transitioned into building leadership and eventually into district-level roles, supporting multiple schools as Director of School Leadership for nine years before I transitioned to D205.

The transition to administration was encouraged by mentors who saw my potential and impact—along with my own observations of both exceptional leaders and those who fell short. Through my doctoral studies and dissertation work, I developed an even deeper understanding of the direct connection between effective leadership and improved student outcomes and experiences. I firmly believe that school and district leaders play a crucial role in creating the conditions that enable both teachers and students to thrive in every classroom and environment. It’s been a humbling and rewarding journey, and I feel truly honored to have served school communities for more than 24 years.

Dr. Campbell visiting Sandburg Middle School

EM: What drew you specifically to Elmhurst District 205, and what made you feel this was the right community for you?

Dr. Campbell: What drew me to Elmhurst District 205 is very personal—I began my journey here as a sixth grader at Bryan Middle School and graduated from York High School in 1997. My parents moved here for the high-quality public schools, and my husband and I chose to return for the same reason.

Our community is incredible, grounded in strong values like quality education, family, high expectations, and growth to meet evolving needs. I’m energized by the opportunity to build on this foundation and help the district continue to improve its programs, facilities, and recruiting and retaining high-quality staff members to achieve even higher goals and levels of achievement.

Throughout my career—as a teacher, principal, and district leader—I’ve focused on uniting people and inspiring teams to deliver outstanding results for students and families. When the Board sought community input for the Superintendent profile, I felt confident that my experience and passion aligned perfectly with what Elmhurst stakeholders said they needed in the next superintendent. Given that this is my home, I also knew it would be difficult to find someone more dedicated and committed to the long-term success of our school.

EM: As superintendent, what are your priorities for Elmhurst District 205?

Dr. Campbell visiting York High School

Dr. Campbell: As superintendent, my priorities for Elmhurst District 205 are guided annually by the Board of Education and closely aligned with our District Strategic Plan. This plan is designed to fulfill our shared vision of preparing students to graduate ready for college, career, and life.

Our strategic plan is organized into four main focus areas: Student Success, Learning Environment, Financial and Operational Effectiveness, and Community Outreach and Engagement. Within these areas, key strategic objectives outline specific work and measurable indicators to ensure we are making meaningful progress.

On a personal level, my priority is to show up every day committed to serving our community with excellence, a continuous improvement mindset, joy, and gratitude. My goal is to create an environment where every student can thrive and reach their greatest potential.

EM: What qualities do you believe make a truly exceptional teacher in today’s classroom environment?

Dr. Campbell: This is such a great question! I believe several qualities are essential for a truly exceptional teacher, regardless of grade level or subject area. First and foremost, the ability to connect meaningfully with students and colleagues is key. Exceptional teachers hold high expectations for themselves and their students, communicate clearly and effectively, and collaborate openly with others. They also embrace a growth mindset—always looking to learn and improve. Of course, deep knowledge and expertise in their subject area are vital, but equally important is being deeply reflective about their practice to continually enhance student learning. These qualities, when combined, create the foundation for exceptional teaching in today’s classroom.

Dr. Keisha Campbell addresses the crowd at York Community High School graduation.

EM: How do you balance honoring the traditions of D205 with introducing your own vision for the future?

Dr. Campbell: First and foremost, I believe a good leader enters a school or district with a deep commitment to listening and learning. It’s essential to understand what is working well and where the greatest opportunities for growth lie. That’s exactly what I did when I joined D205—I prioritized hearing from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure their voices were valued and to confirm that my role was to build upon the great work already happening.

I don’t see honoring tradition and introducing a new vision as conflicting; rather, they complement each other. The goal is to enhance what’s working and identify systemic improvements. After spending a year listening and engaging with the community, I helped lead a comprehensive strategic planning process. This ensured the vision wasn’t just mine, but truly ours—as a unified school community. When a vision and mission are shared, it becomes a powerful force for meaningful progress.

EM: What has surprised you the most about the Elmhurst community since joining the district?

Dr. Campbell: What has surprised me the most about the Elmhurst community since joining the district is the incredible level of engagement and support for our schools. Our entire community truly rallies around our students and educators. From parents and guardians actively connecting with teachers and staff, to strong partnerships with local organizations that generously contribute to our schools, to the ongoing support from city officials and the Elmhurst Police Department—everyone is deeply committed to ensuring our schools are safe and our students thrive. This collective dedication is what makes the Elmhurst community so uniquely special.

EM: Looking back at your journey so far, what’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self starting out in education?

Dr. Campbell: Looking back, one piece of advice I’d give my younger self is this: be a strong advocate against mediocrity in education. Early in my career, I was deeply focused on developing my own craft—as I should have been. But over time, I encountered individuals whose actions didn’t align with what’s best for kids or for the profession. I’ve come to believe that we have a responsibility to protect the integrity of education and uphold its reputation.

Our students and families deserve nothing less than excellence. So, don’t look the other way. Hold yourself—and those around you—to the highest standards. Advocate fiercely for what’s right, even when it’s hard. That’s how we truly honor the calling of this profession.

Dr. Campbell and her daughters on the first day of school this year

EM: Outside of work, what are your favorite ways to recharge or stay inspired?

Dr. Campbell: Spending time with my family, friends, and loved ones is how I recharge. My daughters are very active, and I genuinely enjoy being on the sidelines—whether it’s at dance or whatever sport they’re participating in—cheering them and their friends on. I also enjoy bike rides and quiet moments in the backyard with a good book. In addition, I’m deeply involved in my faith-based community, which is a meaningful part of my life, purpose, and a constant source of inspiration.

EM: If you could give every D205 student one habit for life, what would it be—and why?

Dr. Campbell: If I could give every D205 student one habit for life, it would be the habit of practicing gratitude. Learning to recognize and appreciate the good—especially in everyday moments—is a powerful discipline. It helps ground you in what truly matters and builds resilience through both the highs and lows of life.

Gratitude shifts your mindset. It teaches you to focus on what you have, not just what you’re striving for. It doesn’t mean ignoring challenges, but rather facing them with perspective, optimism, and strength. Developing a habit of gratitude can shape your relationships, your mental health, and your overall sense of purpose in life.

It’s a small daily habit that creates a lifelong impact of prosperity and contentment.