Superintendent
Dr. Lisa Taylor
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Lisa Taylor is an experienced and principled superintendent with a demonstrated commitment to equity, innovation, and student-centered leadership. Her career reflects a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing public education and a proven ability to lead through them with clarity, vision, and purpose.
Raised in a large family and having overcome generational poverty, Dr. Taylor brings a unique perspective to her role—grounded in lived experience and strengthened by professional excellence. She has made it a personal and professional mission to break cycles, support others in doing the same, and set a standard for leadership that is both compassionate and uncompromising.
Known for her strategic use of technology, data-driven decision-making, and clear communication, Dr. Taylor holds herself and her teams to high expectations while fostering a culture of support and accountability. She values responsiveness, continuous improvement, and the effective integration of tools like artificial intelligence to enhance organizational performance.
Dr. Taylor leads with integrity, respects diverse perspectives, and maintains firm boundaries to protect the long-term health of both her work and her relationships. She believes leadership is not defined by titles or noise—but by action, impact, and the ability to remain grounded in service of something greater.
Elevating Instruction and Expanding Access
Dr. Taylor’s impact on teaching and learning is visible in both student achievement and opportunity. Under her leadership, Heyworth schools consistently perform at or above the Illinois state average. She has implemented a comprehensive textbook adoption cycle, ensuring all classrooms have access to current, standards-aligned materials.
Recognizing the importance of early literacy, the district has added teachers in grades K–2 to keep class sizes under 15, supporting individualized instruction and ensuring every child is reading on grade level by third grade. The district is also staffed with certified interventionists across K–8, proactively closing achievement gaps before they grow.
At the high school level, dual credit offerings have expanded from just 2 classes in 2016 to an impressive 17 courses today—providing students with real college credit, increased academic challenge, and more post-secondary options.
Modernizing Spaces for 21st-Century Learning
Under Dr. Taylor’s guidance, Heyworth classrooms have undergone a full transformation. All classroom furniture has been updated to promote flexible, student-centered learning environments. Libraries in both school buildings were reimagined with new furnishings and revitalized as active learning hubs. The district has also ensured the integration of smart technology in classrooms and the upgrade of both high school Mac labs—ensuring students and teachers have access to the tools that power modern learning.
Safe, Secure, and Connected
A firm believer that safety is foundational to learning, Dr. Taylor led the installation of comprehensive IP security camera systems in both school buildings and implemented a reunification app to streamline emergency response and family communication in crisis scenarios. The district has also improved school-to-home communication by installing new digital marquee signs at both schools—providing a more efficient and engaging way to share updates with the community.
Infrastructure That Reflects Excellence
Facilities improvements reflect Dr. Taylor’s belief that students deserve environments that match the district’s academic excellence. Recent major capital projects include a new high school gymnasium and administrative offices, the modernization of all learning spaces, and a $4 million infrastructure project to fix longstanding drainage issues at Hornet Stadium and install turf on the football field—improving safety and usability for years to come.
Financial Responsibility, Community Trust
Despite this significant progress, Heyworth CUSD has maintained the lowest school district property tax rate in McLean County. Even more impressively, the district has doubled their fund balances—evidence of leadership’s financial acumen and strategic planning.
Leading with Vision and Purpose
Superintendent Lisa Taylor is not just managing a school system—she’s creating a model for sustainable, student-first public education in Illinois and beyond. With her strategic lens, community-centered mindset, and relentless pursuit of excellence, she exemplifies what it means to be a superintendent who pushes education forward.
