The Manhattan School Board of Education is delighted to announce the approval of Dr. Damien Aherne as the next Superintendent of Manhattan School District 114. After an extensive and collaborative search process led by consultant, Cathie Pezanoski, and driven by a stakeholder-developed superintendent profile, the Board of Education is excited to welcome Dr. Aherne into this crucial leadership role.
The search process started with a survey to capture the voice of members of the entire school community. The information gathered was used to develop a profile that highlighted the qualities and expertise needed to guide our district into the future. From there, Ms. Pezanoski conducted an extensive search and presented a strong set candidates to the board. Through several rounds of interviews that included board members, administrators, and union leadership, the board unanimously agreed that Dr. Aherne possesses the unique qualities and credentials that are necessary to lead Manhattan School District 114 forward. He will officially fill the position on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Damien Aherne is a dedicated and accomplished educator with over twenty years of experience in public education. He has served in various roles, including teacher, administrator, adjunct professor, and principal. Dr. Aherne holds advanced degrees in Educational Administration, Leadership, and Music, with endorsements as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and Chief School Business Official (CSBO) in Illinois.
For the past 12 years, Dr. Aherne has served as a principal, where he has successfully built staff morale, increased safety protocols, lowered student discipline, aligned curriculum, implemented MTSS, provided staff development, and consistently earned Commendable Summative Designations at two elementary schools. At the district level, he has experience in facility improvements, board policy, budgeting, Levy development, five-year financial projections, enrollment, leading state and local assessments, and contract negotiations.
Dr. Aherne is also committed to professional growth and giving back to the educational community. He serves on the board of the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) as the State Director for the South Cook Region. He believes every child has the right to learn in a safe and caring environment that nurtures their individual talents and needs.
Currently, Dr. Aherne is the principal at Fierke Education Center, CCSD 146, in Oak Forest, IL. He lives in Frankfort with his wife Marisa and their three children, Evan, Niamh, and Gracelyn.