Illinois’s largest elementary school district has an exceptionally positive school culture and the receipts to prove it. In this episode, we talk with the superintendent about the step-by-step process they used to build theirs, based on the Happiness Advantage. Stanford University researchers placed this school district in the top two percent of all schools in America in student growth.

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As the superintendent of the largest elementary school district in Illinois since 2013, Andy DuRoss prioritizes investing in people as the key to ensuring the academic success and social-emotional well-being of the more than 15,000 students and 2,000 employees of School District 54. DuRoss believes a positive culture is another key to the success of students and staff. In 2017, he brought the positive psychology principles outlined by Harvard Researcher Shawn Achor to District 54. This training demonstrates how happiness and optimism fuels performance and leads to success. When he talks about student success, he is not just speaking about academic success but social and emotional success as well. DuRoss is committed to the happiness of his students and employees.

Under DuRoss’ leadership the positive culture in District 54 continues to thrive and student achievement continues to grow. Stanford University researchers found District 54 to be in the top 2% of all schools in America in student growth, stating that District 54 students achieved six years of growth in five years. Money Magazine ranked Schaumburg the 9th best place to live in America, with education being a major factor.