Matteson School District 162

Dr. Davis has led District 162 since 2002. She is recognized for her vision and leadership in raising student achievement levels and in the reform of education.  

“I believe that every child has a right to learn and can achieve the 21^st century skills needed for success—to think critically and to problem solve,” she states.  Dr. Davis holds that “children can achieve their highest potential to learn, despite socioeconomic realities that are often cited as insurmountable barriers to achieving optimal educational results.”

The former Chief of Schools and Regions of Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001, where she was responsible for the daily management of seven regions and 601 schools, Dr. Davis joined Matteson School District 162 as Superintendent in 2002.  At the time, only 55 percent of the district’s students met or exceeded the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) proficiency goals. With the implementation of more rigorous curriculum and instructional program under the leadership of Dr. Davis the state exam scores increased by almost 50%.

Named the Superintendent of the Year in 2008 by the Illinois Association of School Administrators, Dr. Davis believes that the future of urban education depends on quality leadership that requires dedication, cooperation and acceptance of new levels of responsibility by administrators, principals, faculties, parents, students and community leaders to produce a true learning community. 

A product of Chicago Public Schools, Dr. Davis earned bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees in education from Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Davis holds a Doctor of Humane Letters from both Governors State University and Tougaloo College. She began her educational career as a Chicago Public School teacher and counselor and later served as assistant principal, principal, and district superintendent until her appointment as Deputy Chief Education Officer of the Chicago Public School system.

Immediately prior to joining District 162, Dr. Davis was Associate Professorial Lecturer at Saint Xavier University where she trained prospective school principals. She has served as a senior consultant to the Illinois State Board of Education.