The Board of Education is excited to announce that with the start of the 2026-27 school year, Mr. Jason Smit will lead our district as Superintendent. Currently serving as Assistant Superintendent, Jason joined the D128 community in 2020 as Director of Innovation and Communication. His professional experience in education spans 22 years and includes working as a classroom teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, and instructional technology specialist. Jason holds an Ed.S. in School Superintendency and will complete his doctorate in Education Administration and Supervision next month.
Over the past 5 years, Jason has been a consistent collaborator with teachers, staff, students, families, and community partners. Leading our “Portrait of a Learner” initiative, Jason has strengthened and solidified the district’s mission and goals. He is dedicated to providing D128 students with an innovative, inclusive, and exceptional education to ensure they are prepared for their tomorrow. In response to the opportunity to lead the district, Jason shared, “I would like to thank our Board of Education for this incredible opportunity. I love Palos Heights, as I have fond memories of visiting my grandparents who lived in town and attending Trinity Christian College. I feel truly blessed to serve as our next superintendent and continue the great work that has been done. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated educators and staff and actively participating in this wonderful community.”
The Board looks forward to continued stability, partnership, and the benefit of having a full year of transition work together with Jason and Merryl before Merryl’s retirement at the end of the 2026 school year.
Please join us in congratulating Jason as he begins to lead D128 to new heights!
-Palos Heights School District 128 Board of Education
Current Superintendent Merryl Brownlow shared the following in response to the appointment of Jason Smit:
I couldn't be more grateful to be handing off the district reins to Jason Smit in July of 2026. Our collaboration in leading District 128 has been foundational to the success we have realized over the last five years. Jason's history with the district will provide the necessary continuity and consistency in leadership to sustain and grow the initiatives currently at the heart of work, most notably our Portrait of a Learner, which has truly become a North Star in guiding the work of the district. I am excited to have a year of continued collaboration as we spend 2025-2026 preparing for the transition to Jason's leadership.