Superintendent of Schools

Now in his eighth year as Superintendent of Thornton Township High School District 205, Dr. Nathaniel Cunningham, Jr. continues to lead with purpose, passion, and a steadfast belief in the power of education to transform lives.

“My priority and my passion are helping students to receive and seize the educational opportunities that will enable them to excel in school and beyond.”

Before entering education, Dr. Cunningham served for 10 years as a Civil Engineer Project Manager for the United States Air Force Academy, where he learned the value of structure, precision, and teamwork. His career in education has included roles as teacher, associate principal, and principal. He later served as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for McLean County Unit 5 Schools, and prior to joining District 205, he was Superintendent of Crete-Monee School District 201U. In 2016, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from Illinois State University.

At District 205, Dr. Cunningham oversees the administration of Thornton, Thornridge, and Thornwood High Schools, as well as the Outlook Academy and the PEACE Center. His mission is to ensure that every student has access to a quality education within a safe and supportive learning environment. Under his leadership, the district is delivering on its commitment to “secure tomorrow today” through major infrastructure improvements and the construction of new athletic fields at all three high schools - projects that enrich both the academic experience and athletic performance of students.

Dr. Cunningham is guided by the principles of organizational health: building a cohesive leadership team, creating clarity, over-communicating clarity, and reinforcing clarity. These tenets define his leadership philosophy and have helped foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and accountability throughout District 205.

He remains deeply committed to ensuring that every student graduates enrolled, enlisted, or employed, and that the district continues to evolve with strength, innovation, and unity. Through partnerships among educators, families, and community members, Dr. Cunningham believes District 205 can truly “secure tomorrow today” for every student, every school, and every community it serves.