U-46's new community relations director no stranger to schools

Elgin Area School District U-46's new school and community relations director is no stranger to public schools.

The school board recently appointed Mary Fergus, formerly a spokeswoman for the Illinois State Board of Education, to that role starting June 15. She replaces Patrick Mogge, who left U-46 in late January to take an administrative position at Northwest Suburban High School District 214.

Fergus said while she relished her experience with the state board of education, she is excited about this opportunity.

"I had the view from 30,000 feet above and now I'm going to be front and center, and I love that I'm going to experience public education from both perspectives," said Fergus, 49, of Chicago. "I've always been intrigued with U-46 because it's a large, diverse school district that's both urban and suburban."

The district has strong leaders with a proven track record of advocating for more equitable funding, she added.

Fergus' salary will be $108,000 yearly, plus an additional $5,089 the district will pay on her behalf into the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, CEO Tony Sanders said.

Fergus was selected from among roughly 30 candidates and was one of two finalists interviewed by Sanders.

Sanders said he has worked with Fergus in some capacity over his eight years with U-46. Fergus previously reported for the Chicago Tribune covering U-46, and joined the state board of education communications staff in 2008 handling media relations and outreach.

Sanders said Fergus will be "able to hit the ground running."

"She got to know our communities and schools," he said. "From my perspective, that made her the best candidate for the second-largest district in the state. Dealing with 869 school districts gives her a different perspective. She does speak Spanish, which in a school district that is 50 percent Latino and 25 percent English Language Learners, that's a benefit to our communities."

The district also is seeking to hire a gifted program coordinator, a principal for Gifford Street High School, and a principal for Hilltop Elementary School in Elgin.

Hilltop Principal Ariel Correa recently was appointed principal of Streamwood High School, replacing Terri Lozier, who was promoted to assistant superintendent of secondary instruction and equity.

Dave Smiley, who retired in 2011 as principal of Elgin High School, currently is serving as interim principal at Streamwood High School.

Sanders said officials hope to hire a gifted coordinator within a couple of weeks, and name a principal for Hilltop by July.