Just one parent shows at U-46 forum

All eyes were on Ann Johnson Tuesday night.

The Larkin High School parent and longtime Elgin resident was the only person to show at one of the first Elgin Area School District U-46 superintendent search community forums.

"I'm not totally surprised," said Johnson, who sat surrounded by empty folding chairs in a Creekside Elementary School room set for 100.

"The district has lots of opportunities for parents to get involved, and this is usually what happens."

The Creekside forum is one of nine meetings organized by Milwaukee-based ProAct Search Inc., aimed at collecting the community's thoughts on the qualities needed in the individual that will replace outgoing Superintendent Connie Neale.

Neale, now living in Missouri, submitted her resignation in October. On indefinite medical leave, she will remain on the district's payroll until Feb. 25.

U-46 will pay ProAct $27,000 for its services, plus up to $18,000 of search expenses, which include background checks on finalists, travel expenses, supplies, advertising and technology expenses.

At the forum were copies of a "working draft" describing the strengths needed in a new leader. A successful candidate must have a demonstrated record of fiscal responsibility, a strong commitment to the values of public education, and have successfully met the challenges of leading a large, diverse organization, the profile stated.

"As we hear from the community, we'll refine that draft -- using the final version to match with a candidate," said ProAct consultant John Fagan, who ran the Creekside meeting.

Among Johnson's concerns were problems with district leadership at the high school level. Her son, she said, is at the top of his class at Larkin, but has had difficulties working Advanced Placement courses into his schedule. "We haven't had much success in talking to anyone who knows how to fix that," she said.

Johnson also critiqued the current administration structure.

"It seems like everything is being run by consensus, not by leadership," she said. "I feel like the way it's structured now, things tend to get lost."

School board members Amy Kerber and Joyce Fountain, also present at the meeting, expressed frustrations at the apparent lack of community support.

"I'm disappointed but also optimistic that the other sessions might be better attended," Kerber said.

Only two days after returning from winter holidays, "people are still getting into the routine of helping with homework, getting up for school and packing lunches again."

Three 7 p.m. forums will take place today at South Elgin High School, the district's Educational Services Center, and Bartlett High School.

Thursday's forums, also at 7 p.m., will be held at Larkin High School, Elgin High School and Teft Middle School.

"It's been a long time since we heard from the community the qualities they want in a leader," Kerber said. "To me, these forums are more than just hiring a new superintendent."