Office of the Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff supports the Superintendent with management of day-to-day operations of DCSD. Departments that fall under the Chief of Staff Division are:

  1. Board of Education Office
  2. Public Safety
  3. Organizational Effectiveness
  4. Internal Audits & Compliance

The Division believes in MIRACLES, a continuous improvement framework that shifts policy, practices, and expectations across the District. The Division operates with H-PRIDE in all aspects of workplace culture and climate, promoting student achievement. The Division also serves as a bridge to ensure that priorities of all divisions across DCSD are lifted and carried out.

About the Chief of Staff, Elijah Palmer

Elijah Palmer serves as the Chief of Staff for the DeKalb County School District, where he plays an integral role in supporting all division chiefs and working closely with Superintendent Dr. Horton. Together, they lead the district’s MIRACLES continuous improvement framework, which provides critical direction and accountability for key leaders across the district. With 14 years of professional experience in education, Elijah’s leadership is characterized by his unwavering commitment to student success and his ability to drive impactful change.

Elijah holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and Sociology from Duquesne University and a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in School Business Management from Northern Illinois University. Before his educational career, Elijah was a professional basketball player, spending seven years playing in Europe and Asia, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for teamwork, resilience, and cultural diversity.

In his transition to the field of education, Elijah spent nine years as the Dean of Students and the Culture and Climate Coordinator at Phillips High School in Chicago Public Schools, where he was instrumental in shaping a positive and inclusive school environment. He later served as the Director of Culture and Climate for Evanston/Skokie School District 65 for three years, focusing on building strong relationships within the school community. A brief role as Director of Organizational Effectiveness allowed him to further refine his leadership skills before stepping into his current role as Chief of Staff.

Elijah’s leadership style is deeply rooted in his core values of Humanization, Empathy, and Professionalism. These principles guide his work as a transformative leader, dedicated to improving outcomes for students and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity across the DeKalb County School District.