FSD79 Announces New Leadership Team Hires

Fremont School District 79 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Trisha Kocanda has announced a pair of leadership team hires for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. 

Sean Smith is joining FSD79 as the district’s Director of Buildings and Grounds, while Sara Balmes-Flores is the district’s Safety & Security Coordinator, a role that will be shared between FSD79 and Diamond Lake District 76.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sean and Sara to our Fremont team,” Kocanda said. “They both were selected from an impressive pool of candidates and we are fortunate to have such strong, experienced leaders joining our team. Their extensive knowledge of schools and their commitment to community service made them both perfect fits for their respective roles.”

Smith brings over 30 years of experience in school facilities, safety, and operations, including serving as the Director of Maintenance and Facilities at Gurnee School District 56 for the past 12 years. Prior to his current role, he served as the district’s HVAC Technician for 18 years. 

“I am elated to join the Fremont School District and become part of its continued success and dedicated community,” Smith said. “I look forward to collaborating with our talented staff, supporting our students, and building strong partnerships with families and community members to create a positive impact on the learning environment for a safe, clean, and well-maintained facilities for staff and students.”

Balmes-Flores joins Fremont and Diamond Lake after spending the last 15 years with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. In her current rank of Lieutenant, she has led LCSO’s Community Engagement and School Resource Team and served as the agency liaison for over 50 K-12 schools and daycare centers in unincorporated Lake County.

“I’m deeply honored to serve the communities of Diamond Lake School District 76 and Fremont School District 79,” said Balmes-Flores. “Throughout my years working alongside both teams, I've seen firsthand the strength of their collaborative culture. Supporting the safety and well-being of students and staff has long been a professional passion of mine, and I'm committed to continuing that work with dedication. I look forward to deepening our existing partnerships and building new connections within both school communities.”

Fremont School District 79 is a preschool through eighth-grade public school district serving more than 2,100 students. It serves students from the communities of Grayslake, Hawthorn Woods, Libertyville, Long Grove, Mundelein, Round Lake, and Wauconda.