KIRKLAND –  Dr. Sarah Willey is the new superintendent for Hiawatha CUSD 426. She was chosen from a list of 30 candidates and assumed her new duties on July 1.

Originally from Harmon, Ill., Willey moved to Sterling when she was 11. She said reading and social studies were her favorite subjects growing up.

After graduating from Newman Central Catholic High School, Willey earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from Bradley University before getting her masters, E.D.S. and doctorate at Western Illinois University.