Summit School Names Bob Hansen as CEO

Summit School, Inc. in Elgin has selected Robert Hansen as its Chief Executive Officer, assuming the role on September 1, 2009, previously held by Dr. Joseph Scime who recently announced his retirement from the position.

"The Board of Directors is pleased to have Bob in this leadership position," said Leo Flanagan, Jr. board chairman. "Bob has been an active and valuable member of our board for the past six years. With over 35 years of expertise in school administration, Bob is knowledgeable about the intricacies of education to help lead our strategies for the continued growth and transformation of Summit School, Inc."

Hansen retired from Community Unit School District 300 after serving as a school administrator for 31 years, serving 23 years as Assistant Superintendent of Special Education/Pupil Personnel Services and 3 years as Associate Superintendent. Upon retirement from District 300, he held a part time position as the interim regional director of a 10 county special education cooperative.

"I've been proud to be a part of Summit School," Hansen said, "and especially at a time when the groundwork has been set for change and bringing our school back to its original roots of serving children with special needs. I look forward to working with our board of directors to create strong partnerships and to have a positive impact with the changes that lie ahead."

Hansen has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa and a Master of Science degree from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois and has done post graduate work at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. He and his wife Barbara have been married for 39 years and have three children and 6 grandchildren.

Outside of his duties at Summit School, Inc., he is a board member of Renz Counseling Center.

Summit School, Inc. is located at 333 West River Road in Elgin. For more information, visit www.summitelgin.org or call 847-468-0490.

About Summit School, Inc.

Summit School serves elementary through high school students who are challenged with identified learning, attentional and/or social difficulties, including children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at its River Road location. The Summit School Early Learning Center delivers early childhood education through a variety of programs, blending children with and without disabilities from birth to age 5 at the McLean Blvd. location.

Members of the school's board of directors include: Leo M. Flanagan, Jr., chairman, Jeanette Mihalec, secretary, David Dattilo, treasurer, Barbara Ferguson, John Ostrem, Mike Polchopek, and Darlene Ziebell.

Summit School provides a safe and secure environment for students to achieve at their highest individual potential. Children learn through an array of programs, which enhance the student's educational experience and build self-esteem. Summit School, Inc. does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.