Holly Lyman

About Holly Lyman

I am an executive-level education leader specializing in the design of inclusive systems that uphold student rights, expand instructional access, and strengthen outcomes for learners with disabilities. My work centers on high-expectation environments, equitable practices, and collaborative problem-solving with diverse stakeholder groups.Over more than two decades in public education, I have led districtwide strategy, regulatory compliance, multi-site programming, and cross-department collaboration. I excel at directing operational plans, managing resources responsibly, and supporting leaders in turning goals into measurable results.My work includes:• aligning special education and general instruction at scale• coaching and developing administrators and instructional staff• strengthening literacy and early-learning systems• partnering with families, community agencies, and state-level entities• building data-informed improvement cycles• safeguarding legal compliance and fiscal stewardshipMy leadership philosophy is simple: every learner deserves dignity, access, and high-quality instruction supported by adults who believe in their potential. I value strategic clarity, transparent communication, and decisions rooted in student outcomes.I remain grounded in inclusion, advocacy, and building systems that endure.

Experience

1. Director of Special Education

   Crystal Lake Elementary District 47

   Jul 2022 — Present · Crystal Lake, IL, US

   Serve as the district lead for special education across 12 schools, overseeing programs, staffing, compliance, family engagement, and cross-department collaboration.Leadership & Operations• Direct districtwide services, staffing, and resource allocation to increase access for students with diverse needs.• Align instruction, intervention, behavior supports, and legal requirements to strengthen student outcomes.Compliance & Legal Coordination• Oversee IDEA and state compliance, improving consistency and reducing procedural risk.• Partner with legal teams on high-risk matters and support constructive resolution with families.Systems & Procedures• Create district procedures that improve timelines, communication flow, and service continuity across buildings.• Strengthen building-level collaboration so students receive faster supports with fewer barriers.Capacity & Coaching• Guide principals, specialists, and new administrators to strengthen instructional problem-solving and shared accountability.Cross-Department Collaboration• Work with curriculum, multilingual services, MTSS, and student services to expand equitable access.Family & Community Partnerships• Promote transparent communication and coordinated supports with families and community agencies.Fiscal Stewardship• Manage specialized staffing, contracts, and programming budgets aligned to student needs.Equity Culture• Champion inclusion, high expectations, and meaningful participation in general education settings.

Education

• Northern Illinois University

  Educational Specialist, Superintendency and Educational System Administration

  2011 — 2013

• National Louis University

  Certificate of Advanced Study, Educational Leadership and Administration, General

  2004 — 2006

• Northern Illinois University

  Certificate of Graduate Study, Educational Leadership, Director of Special Education

  2007 — 2009

• Northern Illinois University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Special Education and Teaching

  1995 — 2000

• National Louis University

  Master of Education (MEd), Curriculum and Instruction

  2002 — 2003