Flossmoor District 161 Superintendent to Step Down After 9 Years

Dana Smith accepts new superintendent role in Palatine, Illinois

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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After nine years leading Flossmoor School District 161, Superintendent Dana Smith announced he will step down at the end of the current school year. Smith has accepted a superintendent position with Community Consolidated School District 15 in Palatine, Illinois and will begin that role on July 1.

Why it matters

Smith's departure marks the end of a nine-year tenure that saw academic progress and improvements to the district's facilities and programs. His successor will inherit a district that has earned strong ratings from the state, but also face the challenge of maintaining that momentum and community engagement.

The details

During his time in District 161, Smith oversaw the development of STEAM labs in all four elementary schools, added a community engagement committee, and led various infrastructure improvements. The district also launched events such as the Back to School Bash and has partnered with City Year AmeriCorps since 2024.

  • On February 10, 2026, Smith announced his resignation at a Board of Education meeting.
  • Smith's last day as Flossmoor District 161 superintendent will be June 30, 2026.
  • Smith will begin his new role as superintendent of Community Consolidated School District 15 in Palatine on July 1, 2026.

The players

Dana Smith

The outgoing superintendent of Flossmoor School District 161, who has accepted a new superintendent position with Community Consolidated School District 15 in Palatine, Illinois.

David Linnear

The president of the Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education.

Community Consolidated School District 15

The school district in Palatine, Illinois that has hired Dana Smith as its new superintendent.

Craig Doster

The former superintendent of Flossmoor District 161 who served for six years before departing in 2015.

Michael Popp

The interim superintendent of Flossmoor District 161 for one year before Dana Smith was hired.

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What they’re saying

“On a personal note, this will be my final school year in Flossmoor School District 161. Last meeting, I was appointed to be the next leader of Community Consolidated School District 15 in Palatine, Illinois. I will begin that role on July 1.”

— Dana Smith, Superintendent (hfchronicle.com)

“Thank you for your work and for all the work that you've done for Flossmoor School District 161. We have worked to deliver a great opportunity for children and families, and I am proud of the work accomplished.”

— David Linnear, Board President (hfchronicle.com)

“I have been fortunate to be able to spend nine wonderful years working with incredible students, families and staff members in Flossmoor District 161 and this community will always hold a special place in my heart.”

— Dana Smith (hfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education will begin the process of searching for a new superintendent to replace Dana Smith, with the goal of having a successor in place by the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

The takeaway

Dana Smith's departure from Flossmoor District 161 marks the end of a successful nine-year tenure that saw academic progress and facility improvements, but also provides an opportunity for new leadership to build on that foundation and continue serving the district's students, families, and community.