Dr. Donna Leak serves as the Vice Chair of the Illinois State Board of Education and Superintendent of Community Consolidated Schools District 168 in Sauk Village, IL. As the first African American Woman to serve as Vice Chair of the State Board, she has been instrumental in updates to the mission, vision, goals, equity statement and updated strategic plan for the state of Illinois. She serves as a strong voice for educators in the field of education at the state and national level. Under her tenure in District 168, where she is also the first African American Woman to hold this post, the district has made major facility updates including addressing water issues for children. The district has seen considerable improvements in academics, technology and social emotional needs for children.
Dr. Leak has moved the district through a full-scale renovation to include playgrounds, new flooring, a renovated track at the Junior High School, new water filtration system at all buildings and Media Center renovations in a two-year window of time. Her efforts have also increased the integration of technology at all levels within the district including chrome books and hot spots for all students. In December 2014, she was named the Sauk Village Person of the year for her work in the school district and in 2021 she was named the Illinois Superintendent of the Year for her efforts. Previously, she served as the Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227, also the first African American Woman to hold the post. Under her leadership, the district received numerous awards and recognition including Best High Schools in America Bronze Winners Rich East in 2009, 2010, 2012 and Rich Central in 2012. Dr. Leak has also worked with the Department of Defense and American Community Schools abroad.