Jessica Hartless
Director of Human Resources
Professional Overview
Jessica Hartless is an experienced education leader with a strong background in human resources management. As the Director of Human Resources for Cicero School District 99, she oversees all aspects of talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management for the district's faculty and staff. With her deep industry expertise and collaborative leadership style, Jessica is dedicated to fostering a positive and productive work environment that supports the district's academic goals.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Jessica has served as the Director of Human Resources for Cicero School District 99 since July 2022. In this role, she is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive HR strategies to attract, retain, and develop top talent. Key achievements include streamlining the district's hiring processes, enhancing employee engagement initiatives, and implementing robust training programs to upskill faculty and staff.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Jessica held several leadership positions within the education sector. She served as the Principal of Berwyn North School District 98 from 2014 to 2022, where she led a team of over 200 educators and staff and oversaw the implementation of innovative instructional programs. Earlier in her career, Jessica held roles as an Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, and Social Studies Teacher/Middle School Department Chair at Philip D. Armour School.
Academic Background
Jessica holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she graduated with distinction. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Social Studies from Loyola University Chicago.
Areas of Expertise
- Human Resources Management
- Talent Acquisition and Retention
- Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution
- Performance Management and Professional Development
- Strategic Planning and Organizational Development
- Collaborative Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
Professional Impact
During her tenure as Principal at Berwyn North School District 98, Jessica spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive STEM initiative that led to a 20% increase in student participation in STEM-related extracurricular activities. Additionally, she played a key role in establishing a mentorship program for new teachers, which contributed to a 15% reduction in first-year teacher turnover.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience in the education sector and her proven track record of HR leadership, Jessica Hartless is well-positioned to drive positive change and support the Cicero School District 99 in achieving its strategic goals. Her commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, coupled with her expertise in talent management, makes her a valuable asset to the district and the broader education community.
