District 94 seeks input for superintendent search

As the superintendent of West Chicago High School District 94 begins the final school year before his retirement, local residents can give their feedback in the search for his successor.

At the end of this school year, Lee Rieck will retire after a decade with the district. But before he leaves to spend time volunteering and helping his church, Rieck and the school board invite community members to attend focus groups early next month. Attendees will help decide what qualities the district's next leader should have.

"Finding a replacement for Dr. Rieck that brought all of his strengths will be difficult, but we're glad that he is willing to work with us in searching for his replacement," said Tony Reyes, the president of the school board.

"The board has made a lot of changes in the past four years," Reyes said. "We've implemented schedule changes, tightened and toughened up policies on cell phones, electronic devices and attendance, and we are looking for a leader who can hit the ground running."

To help with the search, the board has hired Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, Ltd. A facilitator from the Glenview-based search firm will lead next week's focus groups.

Reyes said the board hopes Rieck's replacement will help the high school grow as a leader in accelerated English as a Second Language programs, offer a proven track record of operating a balanced budget and work well with feeder districts.

The latter could become a key issue, since Reyes said he hopes the board of education will vote to include a question on the April 2009 ballot, asking if District 94 should merge with Winfield Elementary District 34, West Chicago District 33 and Benjamin District 25. All the districts have agreed to a feasibility study, Reyes said.

Rieck said other challenges facing his successor include improving scores relating to the federal No Child Left Behind mandate, lagging state funding and addressing demographic changes.

"I think in any district you'd be in there's more than enough work to be done, and this district is no exception," Rieck said.

After 10 years as superintendent, Rieck's salary for the 2008-09 school year totals $189,600, which includes a $23,500 annuity contribution and a $7,300 bonus.

Meanwhile, he said he's proud of programs launched under his leadership, like the Student Support Center.

"I've had a great career," Rieck said. "There have been very few days where I haven't looked forward to going to work."

Community meetings are planned for 7 and 8 p.m. Sept. 3-4 in the administrative conference room at Community High School, 326 Joliet St., West Chicago. For details, call (630) 876-6210.