Superintendent of Schools Home
Superintendent of Schools
Dear District 76 Families,
With great enthusiasm and heartfelt gratitude, I welcome both new and returning families to the 2025–2026 school year! It is an honor to introduce myself as the new Superintendent of Diamond Lake District 76. I am truly excited to join this exceptional community and work in partnership with you to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed.
Each day, you entrust us with your children—your pride and joy—and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. It is a privilege and we remain deeply committed to nurturing their growth and well-being. At the core of our work is our mission:
Embrace, Empower, Excel – Each Child, Each Day.
This guiding vision shapes all we do and reminds us of our collective purpose:
- To embrace every student with compassion, respect, and a sense of belonging;
- To empower our students with the tools, voice, and opportunities to grow and lead;
- And to excel in all we do—ensuring high levels of learning and meaningful success for every child, every single day.
Whether your child is beginning their journey in pre-K or entering their final year of middle school, know that we are dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and academically rich classrooms where every learner can thrive.
In the months ahead, I look forward to visiting our schools, attending events, and connecting with families, staff, and students. I believe strong partnerships between schools and the community are the foundation for student achievement—and I am eager to build those connections with you.
Thank you for the trust you place in our schools. Let’s work together to make this a year of joyful learning, shared growth, and continued excellence—for each child, each day.
With gratitude and excitement,
Erin Knoll
Superintendent
Diamond Lake School District 76
Dr. Erin Knoll
Superintendent of Schools
Roles and Responsibilities
- Organizational Leadership
Hiram Carrero
Department Summary
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The Superintendent guides the district’s vision, mission, strategic goals, and continuous improvement efforts. This includes long term planning, alignment of district priorities, and support for initiatives that strengthen student learning, staff effectiveness, and organizational success.
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In partnership with the Board of Education, the Superintendent supports effective governance, policy implementation, informed decision making, and district accountability. This collaboration helps keep district leadership focused on student achievement, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community trust.
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The Office of the Superintendent provides leadership for instructional improvement, curriculum priorities, assessment practices, student supports, and academic programming. This work helps ensure that students have access to meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for future success.
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A strong professional culture depends on collaboration, accountability, trust, and continuous growth. The Superintendent works with district leaders to recruit, develop, support, and retain high quality staff who are committed to serving students and families.
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District programs, services, and resources are guided by a commitment to equitable access and opportunity for all students. This includes a continued focus on belonging, inclusion, student well being, and removing barriers that may affect learning and participation.
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As a key voice for the district, Dr. Knoll values clear, timely, and transparent communication with families, staff, students, the Board of Education, and the community. This includes building partnerships, listening to feedback, and strengthening confidence in the work of the district.
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The Superintendent provides oversight of district operations, including finance, facilities, technology, personnel, safety, transportation, food service, and other systems that support daily school functions. This work helps ensure that resources are managed responsibly and aligned with district priorities.
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The Office of the Superintendent advocates for the needs of students, staff, families, and public education. This includes staying informed on educational issues, supporting sound policy, engaging with local and regional partners, and representing the district in matters that affect schools and students.
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Thoughtful innovation and long range planning help prepare the district for future needs. The Superintendent monitors emerging trends in education, technology, workforce readiness, student support, and school system leadership to help guide responsible decision making.
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The Office of the Superintendent is committed to ethical leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement. Through data informed planning, collaboration, transparent communication, and responsible decision making, the office helps strengthen trust and advance the success of Diamond Lake School District 76.