New U-46 superintendent generates excitement
Though without the regal traditions used at St. Peter's Square in Rome, naming a new U-46 superintendent last week seemed like the local educational version of welcoming a new pope.
Like the buzzing anticipation of the May 2005 decision of the college of cardinals, the U-46 community has long speculated who the board would choose to replace former superintendent Connie Neale.
Unlike in Rome, here in Elgin, there was no white smoke emanating from the Educational Services Center, signaling the selection of a new leader.
Yet, board president Ken Kaczyinski's announcement of Jose Torres, currently a regional superintendent for Chicago Public Schools, to lead the district brought a rush of excitement, relief, and questions from community members.
A Puerto Rican native, Torres first learned English in fifth grade.
A Chicago resident, Torres holds a doctorate of philosophy in educational administration from the University of Maryland.
Before joining Chicago Public Schools, Torres served as assistant superintendent of student support services for Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland, a district of 75,000 students.
He briefly served as the superintendent of the San Ysidro School District near the Mexico border in San Diego County, Calif. In June 2002, after just six months at the 5,700 student district, the San Ysidro school board fired Torres, claiming his leadership style was problematic.
"Early on in my career, it was a hard lesson," Torres said Monday. "The experience taught me to listen between the lines."
The U-46 school board first began its search last fall, after then-Superintendent Connie Neale went on indefinite sick leave, moving to a home in Joplin, Mo. She stayed on the district payroll until Feb. 25.
Milwaukee-based search firm ProAct Inc. conducted nine community forums, 55 group sessions and a widely circulated survey in January in its quest for a new U-46 leader.
At these forums, community members repeatedly stated they felt burned by Neale's deal. "We need a superintendent contract with no incentive to retire," Elgin resident Clarence Hayward said in January. "Having lifetime medical benefits is an incentive to retire, not work."
Gaining trust in U-46 will be no easy task for Torres.
"Trust has to be gained based on actions," Torres said. With time, he said, he hopes the people in the community will learn to trust him.
A host of decisions in the next few months will set an important precedent for Torres. Contract negotiations, community relations, and financial decisions top the list.