Crystal Lake Dist. 47 superintendent resigns

An acting superintendent is running Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 while the school board explores more permanent options.

Superintendent Donn Mendoza, who was under contract to lead the district through June 2016, stepped down last week. School board members accepted his resignation during a special meeting Thursday and then promoted Kathy Hinz, the assistant superintendent of student services and professional development.

District officials said in a statement released after the meeting that Mendoza’s resignation came as a result of discussions between him and the board of education about the “future direction of the district.”

“Following those discussions, the board and Dr. Mendoza mutually agreed that it would be in the best interest of District 47 to move forward with a new superintendent,” the statement said.

Mendoza will get $27,870 in severance, the equivalent to two months’ pay. He also will maintain health insurance for himself and his family through next June.

Hinz has worked in the district since 2000 and in her most recent position since 2010. She agreed to serve as acting superintendent without a pay increase, according to the district, and assumed her new position immediately following Thursday’s announcement.