2026 Illinois Superintendent Spotlight: Billy Hueramo

This fall, we’re getting to know the newest members of Equity First through our Get to Know Me blog series.

Advance Illinois’ Equity First is an alliance of superintendents across Illinois that advocate for public policy that promotes equity in public education for students. The group convenes to discuss education policy and school community issues, helping to inform Advance Illinois’ education policy agenda and shape statewide policy. Many of these superintendents are also members of the Funding Illinois’ Future coalition.

Read along as they share their journeys in education, their hopes and priorities for the school year, and more.

This week, we get to know Billy Hueramo, Superintendent for DeKalb CUSD 428.

Did you always know you wanted to go into education? We are interested in learning what inspired you to get into the field and key highlights in your career education journey so far.
I actually never enjoyed school and still do not because learning has always been difficult for me. However, my parents always strived to ensure my siblings and I could have a better education than they had. My mother was only educated up to second grade, and my father to sixth grade. They pushed us to perform well in school and because my experience was not the best, I felt that I wanted to make a difference for students like me that struggled to learn in school.

Tell us about what makes your school district so special to you.
I started as a student teacher in my district and have moved all the way up to being superintendent. This has been my professional home for the last 19 years and I believe in it so much, that I take pride in having my own children attend school in DeKalb CUSD 428.

What do you hope for your school district this year?
I hope to build a strong climate and culture with the staff in our schools where they feel direct support from our district level staff.

What are some of your top priorities as a superintendent?
To build strong personal and professional relationships with the Board and have the staff at the district level be more visible in our school buildings.

How does EBF funding play a role in the success of the students the school district serves? What resources/supports have made a positive difference for students and teachers? What would further benefit your school?
EBF plays a large role in our schools, as we are above 60% free and reduced lunch. It provides us with additional funding to provide our students with the resources they need. Completely funding mandated categoricals or funding at a higher percent would further benefit our district.

What do you wish more people realized about how public school funding works?
The majority of our revenue comes from local tax dollars. For taxpayers to understand that we need to provide our students with a solid education and can't always show them relief on their property tax bills.

As Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) approaches its 10-year anniversary, what would you like to see funding do for your school district community in the next decade?
Full funding of mandated categoricals.