Location: Markham, Illinois
Reports to: Superintendent and Board of Education
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026

Prairie Hills Elementary School District 144, a proud district serving a diverse community in the South Suburbs of Chicago, seeks a visionary and collaborative Chief School Business Official (CSBO). This role is pivotal in aligning the district’s financial and operational systems with its mission to provide high-quality educational opportunities for all students.

Position Overview

The CSBO serves as the district’s chief fiscal and operations officer, overseeing all financial, business, and operational functions. This includes budgeting, accounting, purchasing, grants, payroll, and facilities. The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership that ensures fiscal integrity, equity in resource allocation, and transparent communication with all stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all aspects of district business operations including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, grants management, procurement, facilities,risk management, tax levy management, and main contact for auditing procedures.
• Ensure transparent, timely, and clear communication with the Board, Superintendent, and staff—maintaining a ‘no surprises’ culture.
• Develop and monitor multi-year financial plans that align fiscal responsibility with quality educational programs.
• Modernize financial systems and processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance (e.g., Skyward, Treasurer’s Office coordination).
• Collaborate with principals and administrators to promote budget understanding, resource equity, and data-informed decisions.
• Identify and secure new funding sources (federal, state, and private grants).
• Maintain compliance with state, federal, and ISBE reporting requirements while ensuring ethical fiscal practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience modernizing outdated systems and implementing efficient, technology-driven business operations.
• Strong communicator able to translate complex financial data for non-financial audiences.
• Collaborative leader who engages principals, union representatives, and community members in budget planning.
• Understanding of the Illinois State Board of Education funding, state and federal reporting systems, and municipal finance coordination.

Leadership Characteristics

• Transparent communicator who keeps the Board, superintendent and staff informed through proactive financial reporting.
• Collaborative and inclusive partner who values input from principals, unions, and staff.
• Innovative and forward-thinker, ready to modernize financial systems and processes.
• Equity-minded leader who ensures fair and consistent resource distribution across all schools.
• Community-engaged professional who understands Prairie Hills’ values and serves with integrity and pride.
• Adaptable leader.

Success Indicators (First Three-to-Five Years)

• Balanced budgets and sustained fiscal health.
• Implement financial systems and improved efficiency.
• Transparent, data-driven financial communication.
• Enhanced collaboration among the business office, Board, and school leaders.
• Equitable allocation of resources that supports teaching and learning.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to HYA | Application Deadline: February 13, 2026

https://hyasearch.com/job/chief-school-business-official-markham-il/

• Letter of interest describing leadership philosophy and alignment with district values.
• Current résumé.
• Copy of Illinois Professional Educator License with CSBO endorsement (or documentation of eligibility).
• Three professional references, including one from a current or former supervisor.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Prairie Hills Elementary School District 144 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other protected status. The District values diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. 

Minimum Qualifications (Illinois CSBO Requirements)

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a CSBO endorsement, or eligibility for such endorsement at time of hire.
• Completion of an ISBE-approved CSBO program (including internship) or two years of full-time administrative experience in school business management.
• Passage of the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) CSBO Test #224.
• Knowledge of PTELL, tax levies, EAV, bonds, grants, and Illinois school finance law.

About Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates

Established in 1987, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) is one of the oldest and largest search firms having assisted more than 1,600 school boards select exceptionally talented leadership in school systems across the nation, large and small, urban and rural. HYA’s reputation and experience make it one of the preeminent school search firms in the nation and a standard which others often emulate. HYA Associates are located across the country to conveniently serve clients and are thus uniquely qualified to bring local – as well as national – perspectives, knowledge, experience, and connections to each search.

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