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Dr. Carlson

Superintendent

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Dr. James (Jim) Carlson was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago.  He currently resides in Ottawa with his wife Cathy and has three children: Alyssa, Bree, and Catie.  Jim earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, Specialist, and Doctorate degrees from Northern Illinois University and considers himself a NIU Huskie forever.   

Beginning his career in education at Serena Grade School as a middle school social studies teacher, he spent the bulk of his teaching career at Earlville High School.  In 1999, Jim transitioned into administration becoming the principal of Earlville Elementary School.  In 2004, he accepted a position as the principal of Wallace Grade School and after one year became the superintendent of both Wallace and Rutland Grade Schools.  He began work at the LaSalle County Regional Office of Education as Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools in 2007 and in 2011 served as the Regional Superintendent of Schools for LaSalle County.  Dr. Carlson was hired to serve as the superintendent of Seneca High School in 2012.

Dr. Carlson believes success in any endeavor requires many things, but none more important than cultivating relationships built on a foundation of trust.  Student success is best achieved when students, parents, educators, and the greater community work together.  He feels blessed to be working at Seneca High School and is appreciative of the opportunity to help shape the educational program at SHS.