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Hinsdale Today
By the People, for the People
Duneland School Board Promotes Assistant Superintendent to Top Job
Robert McDermott to take over as superintendent after current leader departs in June
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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The Duneland School Board has decided to promote Assistant Superintendent Robert McDermott to the superintendent's position, after current Superintendent Chip Pettit announced he would be leaving the district in June to take a job elsewhere. McDermott, who has over 30 years of experience in education, is expected to officially take over the role by the end of March.
Why it matters
The appointment of McDermott provides stability and continuity for the Duneland School District, as he is already familiar with the district's initiatives and priorities. His background in school safety and security is also seen as an asset, especially given the increased focus on these issues in recent years.
The details
McDermott has worked alongside Superintendent Pettit since 2019, when they both came to Duneland from the Crown Point Community School Corporation. Prior to that, McDermott has held a variety of roles in education, including as a director of personnel, high school principal, and classroom teacher. He also served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force as a military police officer.
- On January 29, 2026, Superintendent Chip Pettit announced he would be leaving Duneland in June to take a job with Hinsdale Township High School District 86 in Illinois.
- The Duneland School Board decided to promote Assistant Superintendent Robert McDermott to the top job on February 21, 2026.
- McDermott hopes to have the details of the contract and statutory requirements wrapped up by the end of March 2026.
The players
Robert McDermott
A 55-year-old educator with over 30 years of experience, who has served as the Assistant Superintendent of Duneland School District since 2019.
Chip Pettit
The outgoing Superintendent of Duneland School District, who is leaving in June 2026 to take a superintendent position with Hinsdale Township High School District 86 in Illinois.
Brandon Kroft
The President of the Duneland School Board, who announced the decision to promote Robert McDermott to the superintendent role.
What they’re saying
“Was I interested and was it the right fit? And we both landed on it was a good fit.”
— Robert McDermott, Assistant Superintendent (chicagotribune.com)
“At a time when stability and continuity matter and after careful consideration, the board believes Mr. McDermott's appointment will allow the corporation to stay focused on initiatives that are already delivering quality results for our students.”
— Brandon Kroft, School Board President (chicagotribune.com)
What’s next
The details of McDermott's contract and statutory requirements need to be settled, which he hopes to have wrapped up by the end of March 2026.
The takeaway
The promotion of Robert McDermott, an experienced educator with a background in school safety, provides stability and continuity for the Duneland School District as it navigates leadership changes. His familiarity with the district's priorities and initiatives is seen as an asset during this transition.
