Office of the Superintendent

Dr. Beatriz Maldonado is an educational leader whose career has been defined by a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves access to exceptional educational opportunities and adults who believe in their potential. As Superintendent of Calumet Public School District 132, she is committed to building a school system where every student is known, challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed.

With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. Maldonado has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, district administrator, assistant superintendent, university instructor, and leadership coach. Throughout her career, she has focused not simply on improving programs but on creating sustainable systems that strengthen schools, develop leaders, and improve outcomes for students.

Before joining District 132, Dr. Maldonado served as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for a midsize district comprised of eight schools, where she led districtwide efforts in curriculum, instruction, assessment, multilingual education, professional learning, school improvement, equity, and strategic planning. Under her leadership, the district strengthened instructional systems, redesigned Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), expanded access to dual language education, increased staff retention through leadership development, and achieved student growth above the national average across all schools. These accomplishments reflected her belief that lasting improvement occurs when educators are empowered with clear systems, meaningful collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Dr. Maldonado believes leadership begins with listening. She values strong relationships, transparent communication, and collaborative decision-making with students, families, staff, the Board of Education, and community partners. She is passionate about building leadership capacity because she believes the greatest measure of success is not what one leader accomplishes alone, but what an entire community achieves together.

A first-generation college graduate and proud daughter of immigrant parents, Dr. Maldonado understands the transformative power of education. Her personal journey has shaped her unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student—regardless of background, language, or circumstance—has access to the opportunities needed to reach their fullest potential.

Dr. Maldonado earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, where her research examined the leadership practices of successful urban superintendents. She also serves as an adjunct professor, mentors aspiring and first-year school leaders across Illinois, and regularly presents on instructional leadership, equity, and multilingual education. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to developing leaders and advancing educational excellence.

As Superintendent of Calumet Public School District 132, Dr. Maldonado is excited to partner with students, families, staff, the Board of Education, and the broader community to build upon the district's many strengths while creating new opportunities for every learner. She believes that every decision, every partnership, and every opportunity should advance one goal: ensuring that every student is prepared to thrive and that every family is proud to call District 132 their school community.