U-46's Neale now living in Missouri

Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent Connie Neale is living in a home in Missouri that she has owned "for some time," School Board President Ken Kaczynski said Monday.

Neale went on indefinite medical leave in September but has declined to reveal the nature of her illness.

Neale also has sold her Elgin house, which she put on the market in May. At the time, Neale said she was downsizing and planned to buy a condominium in the area.

Neale's contract calls for the district to pay her moving expenses "to facilitate her transition either before or after her retirement."

The contract also includes a provision allowing her to move out of the area two years prior to her retirement.

U-46 board members have said they are preparing for Neale's eventual retirement. They have appointed Mary Jayne Broncato as interim superintendent, at the rate of $1,100 per day.

The district also is on the hook for Neale's salary and benefits, which top $400,000 this school year and could be worth an estimated $1 million in post-retirement pay outs.