Finance intern proposed as new director of operations

Community Unit District 300's finance intern may soon receive a hefty promotion -- complete with a $98,705 raise.

Mike Prombo, currently a full-time unpaid intern for the district, is being considered for the director of operations position, district officials said Friday.

Prombo would replace Assistant Superintendent for Operations Chuck Bumbales, who is serving two roles this school year -- operations chief and principal of Hampshire High School.

Bumbales has worked closely with Prombo over the course of his internship, which began last August and will conclude in May. The internship is part of his Chief School Business Official certification program with Northern Illinois University.

"I think the fact that he has been able to intern in the system and has developed a good knowledge and background of district operations makes him an ideal candidate," Bumbales said.

"Mike is really strong with data and has this tremendous work ethic -- I'll get calls from him when he's in his office Saturday or Sunday," he said.

Bumbales described Prombo's personality as "reserved and reflective. He's almost the antithesis of what I am," he said.

Bumbales would continue to mentor Prombo through the first phase of his career in District 300, he said.

Prombo has an MBA from Illinois State University. An internal auditor for Coca-Cola Enterprises, Prombo has prior experience with Unilever and Kraft Foods.

If the promotion is approved by the school board March 10, Prombo would begin the position April 1. Reporting to Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates, Prombo's duties include directing summer construction projects, recommending district's property purchases and sales and coordinating the leasing of mobile classrooms and contracted services.