Ideas for new U-46 chief brought forward

Community concerns including academic accountability, school safety and staff morale have been factored into the search for a new superintendent, consultants from ProAct Search Inc. told the Elgin Area School District U-46 school board Monday night.

Nancy Noeske, Jack Fagan and Claudyne Whitaker presented findings from the 55 group sessions, nine community forums, and a widely circulated survey conducted by the Milwaukee-based firm in January.

Concerns including a need for increased school safety, academic accountability, better staff morale, a lack of discipline, a need for smaller class sizes, and bitterness over outgoing Superintendent Connie Neale's retirement were outlined in the firm's nine-page report.

Neale, now living in Missouri, went on indefinite medical leave in October. She will remain on the district's payroll until Monday.

"The situation that happened with the past superintendent put everyone on edge," Noeske said. "In meeting with the community, we (attempted) not to look behind us, but forward."

Forums and interviews involved a total of 375 people, Noeske said.

Some 1,320 others responded to a survey to tweak the "working draft" of qualities sought in a new leader.

"Our largest response to a survey in 11 years was previously 1,000," she said. "1,320 responses is excellent for a community that stretches across three counties."

Describing optimal characteristics in the new superintendent, 76 percent of respondents called for a deep personal commitment to education. An ability to advocate school funding was a priority for 64 percent.

Respondents also suggested creating a "community transition team" to help the new superintendent find the community's pulse.

Noeske recommended that the board post ProAct's results on the district's Web site. "I can't fathom why we wouldn't," board President Ken Kacyznski said.

Approximately 30 applicants have inquired about the position, Whitaker said. Despite a deadline of last Friday, "we expect responses to trickle in for about a week."

The district is paying ProAct $27,000 for its services, plus up to $18,000 in search expenses, which include background checks on finalists, travel expenses, supplies, advertising and technology expenses.

U-46 used search firms in securing both Connie Neale and her predecessor, Marvin Edwards. This is the first time ProAct has worked with the district.

Hoping to have a superintendent in place by May, ProAct will now begin screening and interviewing applicants. Candidate materials will be presented to the board the week of March 17, Noeske said.

"Things will happen very rapidly from this point on," she said.