Superintendent's Office

As I begin my 15th and final year as Superintendent of Burbank School District 111, it has been a privilege to work with a dedicated Board of Education, staff, students, families, and community members to help bring stability and continued improvement to our district. Together, we have remained committed to what matters most: our students.  As I move toward retirement in June 2027, I want to take a moment to share some important transition items that the Board and I will be working on this year. First, the Board will be hiring an educational consultant, as well as a superintendent search firm, to assist in selecting a new superintendent and to work collaboratively with the Board and school community to ensure a smooth transition. The incoming superintendent will officially begin on July 1, 2027.

I am incredibly proud of the entire District 111 community and all of the stakeholders who have worked collaboratively over the past fourteen-plus years to achieve meaningful improvements throughout the district.  Burbank School District 111 has undergone significant growth and modernization, including major facility improvements, the construction of the new Luther Burbank School, the expansion of Liberty Junior High School, increased early childhood programming through McCord Early Learning Center, curriculum updates, strengthened intervention and instructional support systems, enhanced multilingual family communication, and continued fiscal responsibility.

Another important area of impact during my tenure has been the enhancement of student learning spaces and school environments beyond the traditional classroom. Burbank School District 111 expanded literacy-rich opportunities for students through the creation of Ben Carson Reading Rooms at Kennedy, Maddock, and Fry Schools. These inviting spaces were designed to promote a love of reading, independent exploration, and student motivation. The district also invested in outdoor play and wellness through the development of KaBOOM! playgrounds at Maddock, Byrd, and Tobin Schools, creating safe, engaging, and accessible spaces for students to play, build social skills, and support physical development. In addition, Fry School received a new playground, further reflecting the district’s commitment to improving school facilities and supporting the whole child through both academic and recreational opportunities. These community projects demonstrate a continued focus on creating inspiring, student-centered environments across the district.

Community engagement has also grown significantly, with District 111 expanding opportunities for families, staff, students, and community members to connect beyond the school day. Events such as the Back to School Rally, Fall into Fitness, All-Star Volleyball Games, Trivia Night, Art Exhibition, and Multicultural Fair have helped strengthen relationships, celebrate student and family participation, and build a stronger sense of districtwide pride. These events reflect the district’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive school community where families feel connected, informed, and valued.  The district has navigated changing student demographics, COVID-era challenges, increased accountability expectations, and evolving academic and social-emotional needs, all while maintaining its identity as a community-centered PreK–8 district. Overall, my tenure has reflected a focus on facilities, systems, access, communication, and continuous improvement for students, staff, and families. 

This year, I will work closely with the Board and the educational consultant to complete any remaining projects prior to the new superintendent’s arrival. I will also assist the Board and the incoming superintendent in every way possible to ensure a smooth leadership transition so that we may continue serving our students, staff, and community effectively. While my role will change, we have built many strong and positive foundations together that will support this transition, and each of you has played an important role in that work.

Again, it has been an honor to serve as your superintendent for the past fourteen-plus years. I look forward to working together this year in the same spirit of collaboration and teamwork that has helped us achieve many important milestones for the benefit of our students and community. Burbank School District 111 has truly become a destination district, and with the foundation we have built together, I believe the best is yet to come.  It is the outstanding people of Burbank School District 111 who have made this such a wonderful school community.

I have been truly blessed.

Dr. Franzy Fleck

Superintendent