Superintendent's Cabinet

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations

Josh Aurand serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations, overseeing the district's financial health and essential support services. In this role, he manages business services, transportation, food service, technology, and facility operations. Mr. Aurand works closely with district leaders to ensure that day-to-day systems and processes run efficiently, responsibly, and in direct support of the needs of students, staff, and families.

As a key advisor on fiscal and operational planning, Mr. Aurand guides the district’s budgeting, accounting, investments, insurance, and risk management. He is dedicated to long-term organizational planning, partnering with staff across all departments to maximize resources, solve complex operational challenges, and maintain safe, modern, and effective learning environments.

As a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, Mr. Aurand contributes to district-wide strategic decision-making. He places a high value on collaboration, operational responsiveness, and the strong stewardship of taxpayer resources to drive student success.

Did You Know?

Mr. Aurand is a proud alumnus of the district, graduating from Harlem High School in the Class of 2000.  He attended Northern Illinois University (NIU), where he earned both his undergraduate degree in Accounting and his Master of Business Administration (MBA).  The Aurand family is fully invested in the district. His wife is a Harlem elementary school teacher, and his three children all attend Harlem schools.

Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Community Relations

Dr. Blume supports the district’s communication and community engagement efforts by working alongside building leaders, staff, and community partners to strengthen connections between the school district and the broader community. He leads district communications, ensuring information is shared clearly and consistently across multiple platforms, and works to gather input from students, families, and stakeholders to help inform district planning and decision-making. He also oversees the district’s enrollment process for new and returning students and supports outreach efforts that reflect the needs of the community.

He helps guide community relations, district messaging, and employee recognition efforts, while also serving as the district’s crisis public information officer to ensure timely and accurate communication when it matters most. In addition, he supports principal evaluations and works in partnership with district leaders to advance equity initiatives, strengthen engagement, and plan for the future.

As a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, Dr. Blume contributes to district-wide planning and supports decisions that impact students, staff, and families. He values strong relationships and is committed to ensuring the district remains connected, responsive, and engaged with its community.

Did You Know?

Dr. Blume started in Harlem in 2005 as a health and physical education teacher.  From 2010-2015, he served as the principal of Ralston Elementary before transitioning to the district office in 2015.

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education Recording Secretary

Mrs. Cook supports the work of the Superintendent and Board of Education by serving as a central point of coordination and communication across the district. She works closely with building leaders and staff, as well as families and community members. She also serves as the Recording Secretary for the Board of Education and helps ensure meetings, documentation, and procedures align with required guidelines and expectations. In addition, she oversees key organizational processes, and coordination with legal counsel, and works in partnership with district leaders to navigate complex situations, solve problems, and support the day-to-day work of the district.

Did You Know?

Mrs. Cook was a graduate of Harlem School District, Class of 1989.  Before starting her career at the Harlem Administration Center, she worked as a paraprofessional in the District for 13 years. One of her hobbies is restoring furniture in her free time and watching a Cubs game.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Erb supports teaching and learning across the district by working alongside building leaders and staff to strengthen curriculum, instruction, student support services, and multicultural education. She also leads the district’s work in instructional technology and coordinates school safety efforts, ensuring systems and practices support both effective learning and a safe environment for students and staff.

She helps guide school improvement efforts and professional learning, with a focus on ensuring students experience consistent, high-quality learning in every classroom. In addition, she oversees key district initiatives and works in partnership with staff to think through challenges, solve problems, and plan for the future.

Did You Know

Dr. Erb started in Harlem in 1994 as a science teacher and went on to become the district’s first female head cross country and track and field coach.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Dr. Wagner oversees all aspects of Human Resources for the District, including recruitment and hiring, employee relations, benefits administration, labor relations, staffing, compliance, personnel management, and Board-level concerns. She holds a SHRM certification and works closely with district leaders and staff to foster a positive workplace culture and believes that investing in employees is essential to creating an environment where both staff and students can thrive, and supporting staff remains one of her highest priorities.

She is a former special education and ESL teacher, high school administrator, and Director of Secondary Education. She came to Harlem in 2013.

Did you know?

Dr. Wagner is an avid animal lover, a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers, and an enthusiastic lifelong learner who enjoys reading across a wide range of genres, with historical fiction being a favorite.