The Harvard Community Unit School District 50 Board of Education has approved Ivette Rivera as assistant superintendent of talent, teaching and innovation.
Rivera, currently assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in Cary School District 26, will officially join CUSD 50 on July 1, 2026.
“Ivette brings a wealth of experience in instructional leadership, talent development, equity-centered systems and collaborative work with boards, staff and community partners, all of which align with the direction and priorities of our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Brandon C. White. “We are excited about the opportunity to welcome Ivette to our leadership team and look forward to the expertise she will bring to our students, staff and community.”
A bilingual educator with 16 years of educational leadership experience, Rivera has led measurable academic gains in Cary School District 26. Under her leadership from 2023-25, benchmark proficiency increased from 64 percent to 76 percent in reading and from 75 percent to 80 percent in math. The district also achieved record results in ACCESS outcomes, with 24 students exiting English learner services, the highest number in district history.
Rivera directed the creation and districtwide rollout of a comprehensive instructional framework and co-led development of a five-year strategic plan. She managed PreK-8 curriculum and assessment systems, oversaw teaching and learning budgets including state and federal grants, and served as liaison to the board of education.
Previously, Rivera served in progressively responsible roles in Schaumburg School District 54 from 2009-23, including principal, assistant principal, instructional coach and teacher. Rivera holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University and a bachelor's degree in bilingual-bicultural and elementary education from Northeastern Illinois University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in leadership in education administration with superintendent endorsement at Aurora University.