Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business

Second time works at SD 103

Posted on February 19, 2019February 19, 2019 By Steve Metsch No Comments on Second time works at SD 103
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Second time works at SD 103

Hammond educator hired as new superintendent

By Steve Metsch

Kristopher Rivera, the newly hired superintendent of Lyons School District 103, has spent his entire career working in the larger Hammond, Ind., school district.

Lyons, however, is going to be a good fit, he said.

The school board obviously agrees, voting 5-1 to approve the hiring of Kristopher Rivera during a special meeting held on Feb. 5.

The lone “no” vote cast by Jorge Torres was not a reflection of his thoughts about Rivera, Torres said, but rather a comment on the hiring process.

After the meeting, Torres was the first board member to leap up and shake Rivera’s hand, wishing him the best of luck. Torres said he voted “no” because of negative comments directed at Torres by acting Supt. Patrick Patt at a previous meeting.

“I like you a lot,” Torres told Rivera.

 

Kristopher Rivera is the new superintendent of Lyons School District 103. (Photo by Steve Metsch)

 

Kristopher Rivera is the new superintendent of Lyons School District 103. (Photo by Steve Metsch)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focusing on the immediate future, Rivera, 43, will be a frequent flier at board meetings, even though his official first day on the job is not until July 1. He wants to immerse himself in the district, and learn all he can in order to have a smoother transition.

Rivera resides in Hobart, Ind., with his wife and their five children.

He is assistant superintendent for human resources in Hammond, which has a diverse student population. His entire career has been spent working in Hammond.

“Hammond is diverse and high poverty. Coming to Lyons, a high Hispanic population, diverse, and they have that economic dynamic I’m familiar with,” Rivers said.

He was hired just 12 day after his first interview. On Feb. 5, before the meeting in Lyons, some board members visited the Hammond school district to learn more about Rivera. They were impressed with what they heard, board president Marge Hubacek said.

“They didn’t want him to leave Hammond,” she said.

He’s been in his current position for six years, was a school principal before that for three years at Scott Middle School. Prior to that he was assistant principal at Scott for four years. He also taught in the district before joining the administration.

Leaving is “bittersweet but I felt ready for the next step. It all happened really quick. During the second interview (on Jan. 29), I locked in when I did the tours of the buildings, met some parents, interacted with the students. That’s when it felt (like) home.”

He’s not concerned about joining the politically charged school district in which the entire makeup of the board may change in the April election.

“It sounds like they are looking for someone to come in and lead them. I work with a board now that has differences of opinions. A lot of that comes down to communication.”

The politics on the board “needs to be dealt with” adding “my leadership style will squelch some of that.”

“Once a vote is taken, we’ve got to get behind it. I’ve read articles. I’ve done my homework. One thing we have to is stand together. It does no good to disagree and fight in public. We can’t do that,” he said.

He was surprised to learn he was the board’s second choice after the first choice had turned down the job].

“I don’t worry about things I can’t control. It doesn’t hurt my feelings. I know who I am and what I want to do.”

He said he has an “inclusive” management style. “Strong communication is important as well as including individuals in the decision-making process.”

Hubacek and other board members expressed confidence that Rivera will do a good job.

Robert Madonia, the other current acting superintendent discussed the detailed and lengthy interview process which he said gave the board a better insight into Rivera’s leadership abilities. Hammond school officials, he said, were impressed by the attention to detail.

Rivera gets a three-year contract. He will be paid $155,000 for his first year.

“I’m very excited. I can assure you I’m going to work hard, going to work with you. This is the type of community I want to work for and work with,” Rivera said after the board voted.

Hubacek called Rivera “wonderful.”

“First of all, he wants to be here. He’s committed to the district. We spent the whole morning there meeting with different people

You could tell by their body language, how they talked about him, we heard ‘please don’t take him from us’ and ‘problem solver,’ which is what our district needs,” Hubacek said.

Rivera is “fully aware of all the commotion and not put off by that,” Hubacek added.

 

— Desplaines Valley News

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at [email protected]
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are still rockin’ - August 10, 2023
  • Weathering personal storms - July 20, 2023
  • Countryside solution irks some - July 20, 2023
NPV: 38
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:Jorge Torres, Kristopher Rivera, Lyons School District 103, Marge Hubacek, superintendent

Post navigation

Previous Post: Veterans News and Notes: Havers to head Pritzker Museum
Next Post: Emanuel names Alexandra Holt to RTA Board

Related Posts

  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Treasurer’s website offers easy way to update property tax bill name and address information Blogger
  • Jets Pizza logo
    Jets Pizza Chicagoland rallies for underserved Youth Nov. 1 – 30 Business
  • The King's Pawn book cover. By Aaron Hanania. Science Fiction novel, published in 2018
    Video Interview: Aaron Hanania talks about his new book Aaron Hanania
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau at the Bike Ride for the Special Olympics Aug. 30 hosted by the Orland Park Police Department is the only person in the village photo that is not wearing a mask. Photo courtesy of the Orland Park Police Department.
    Orland Park COVID-19 cases doubled in past 60 days Blogger
  • Wolves Hockey player #18 TJ Tynan from Orland Park on the ice at the Allstate Arena. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania.
    First-Place Wolves roll in San Antonio Entertainment
  • Frankfort Il from village website
    Frankfort hosts community cleanup in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, April 26, 2025 Events

More Related Articles

03-03-18 Zada Williams car theft felony charged, front mugshot Fake car-jacking with child report made to get faster police response breaking news
Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving. Specializing in Fathers' Rights, Family Law, Child custody, divorce proceedings Court-ordered parenting time reunites dad with sons in fathers’ rights case Chicago
Cicero Fire Department receives excellent ISO rating Government
Bowen High school, 2710 E 89th St., Chicago. Website banner 2017 Midnight Flight: Chapter 9 — Midnight Flight Baby Boomers
Flags in Public Plaza. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Fear and dread in the USA Blogger
Fishing tops firearms at new store News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme