District 158 seeks to replace chief academic officer

Huntley School District 158 is searching for a new chief academic officer with the upcoming departure of Mike Moan, who is leaving the after 17 years to become superintendent of Woodstock Community Unit School District 200.

The District 200 school board approved hiring Moan earlier this week on a three-year contract. His yearly salary will be $180,000, not including pension and health care benefits. He was making $113,000 in Huntley.

Moan's last day in Huntley is June 30. District officials posted the job opening Wednesday and will be considering external and internal candidates, Moan said.

"We have great people here and I'm sure we'll also have a strong external candidate pool too," he added. "It's a great opportunity for whoever gets the job. The school board has been so supportive. It's a great community."

Moan will be replacing Ellyn Wrzeski as District 200's superintendent starting July 1. He was selected out of a pool of more than 60 candidates, which was narrowed down to three finalists.

A 1991 graduate of Woodstock High School, Moan said he is excited about taking on a new challenge and glad to be returning home.

"Huntley has been great for me, and obviously I have a great opportunity," Moan said. "Definitely, I cherish the time I've had here. I've grown as a professional. I'm looking forward to the challenge and everything, but you always miss the people and relationships you have built over 17 years."

Moan, 41, started with the district teaching social studies and coaching football and basketball for eight years in middle school and at Huntley High School. He was dean of students and activities at Huntley High School for two years, and later served as principal of Marlowe Middle School in Lake in the Hills for four years. This was his third year as the district's chief academic officer.

Moan said he hopes to carry on District 200's tradition of having superintendents serve long terms. Wrzeski has been there 13 years. "I'll be the fifth superintendent in the history of the district," he said.