Retiring District 46 superintendent receives final contract
Grayslake Elementary District 46 Superintendent Ellen Correll has received a final three-year contract that will extend to her planned retirement after the 2018-19 academic season.
When she exits, Correll will have had a 14-year career as District 46's boss. Hired in January 2005, Correll came to District 46 from Corning Painted Post School District in upstate New York, where she had been an assistant superintendent of instruction.
Correll said she's as energized as ever heading into the new school year that begins Wednesday, Aug. 24. She said the district is planning around three major ideas: being results-oriented, creating a collaborative culture and focusing on student learning.
Last week, the District 46 board approved the deal that'll pay Correll $191,067 in the first year. She'll receive $200,142 in the second year and $209,649 in her final school season.
Correll started in education in 1977. Her career has included jobs such as teaching assistant, special education instructor and principal of an alternative school.
Her time at District 46 has not always been smooth. For example, a previous school board had members who periodically were at odds with her during board meetings from about 2009 to 2013.
Board members deadlocked on a new contract for Correll in votes in late 2012 and early 2013. The deadlock was broken on the third try and she received a one-year contract extension.
In addition, she had to contend with a teachers strike in early 2013.
"My passion is the students and their learning," she said. "Even during the rocky times, I worked hard to keep the buildings focused on what is important - the students' education.
"It definitely was difficult at times. I have wanted to be a teacher as long as I can remember, and I feel very fortunate that I was able to follow that dream. I can't imagine not being involved even after retirement, in one way or another."
Board members voted 4-1 in favor of Correll's final contract. Board member David Northern said he has high expectations for Correll during the next three years and believes she can help make District 46 a premier education system in Lake County.
"We are very fortunate that Ellen is still with us," Northern said. "She knows this district, which gives her the wisdom to lead us during the next three years of transition. With her and the board working as a team, along with the community's input, I am confident in our ability to develop the district's succession plan."
Board member Robert Roop was the lone "no" vote, but he said Wednesday it's not because he was against Correll's contract. He said he did not agree with some sections of the document.
"I believe that Ellen has done an admirable job for the district during her tenure during some challenging times, financially and politically," Roop said.
Correll said she plans to spend more time traveling and being with her children and grandchildren in retirement.