Former Antioch superintendent to lead Dist. 15

Exactly two weeks after the Palatine Township Elementary District 15 board of education removed former Superintendent Dan Lukich without public explanation, it tapped his temporary replacement.

Scott Thompson, who spent six years in the top post at Antioch Elementary District 34, on Wednesday was awarded a one-year contract to serve as interim superintendent at a brief special meeting attended by just two residents.

Thompson, 53, will receive about $133,350 based on a $635 per diem rate.

According to his contract, he'll work the 185 regular school days, five other days before the start of the school year and approximately 20 additional days.

Though Thompson's contract lacks many of the financial perks seen in his predecessor's - such as a car allowance, performance bonus, vacation or even health insurance - one board member voted against it.

"I think we have staff in-house that can perform the job. They've pretty much done it (Lukich's job) for the last year or so," Tim Millar said, implying he thought Lukich fell short of fulfilling his responsibilities.

Millar added that he was disappointed with the hiring process and thought the board could have done a better job identifying the position's skill sets and specific needs.

On top of the interim's salary, District 15 also owes Lukich $185,000 over the next year as part of his separation agreement.

Board President Gerald Chapman said Thompson proved the best of five candidates - the remaining four interviewed as pairs who would each work part time - due to his record of strong leadership.

"We want to put our focus back on what's good for our community in terms of high-achieving schools and high-achieving students," Chapman said. "Scott brings that background and skill to the district."

Thompson worked as principal of Twin Groves Middle School in Buffalo Grove before Antioch Elementary District 34 hired him as superintendent in 2005.

He announced his resignation last August, citing in a news release "conflicting priorities between my leadership ideals and those of the board."

District 34 board President Joni Kalstrup at the time acknowledged improved student academic performance and a balanced budget under Thompson's leaderships, but said his administration lacked openness and transparency.

When reached at home, Thompson said he's honored to help lead an award-winning school district and strongly believes in the importance of empowering others.

"My leadership style will help people feel valued and supported so they're committed," Thompson said. "I think we're going to be able to move forward."

District 15 will pay Thompson's full required contribution to the Illinois Teachers' Retirement System and Teachers' Health Insurance Security Fund.

He'll be reimbursed for mileage within the district while on business, as well as reasonable monthly business expenses to be granted at the discretion of the board.

His performance expectations and goals will be set at a later date and endorsed by the board.