40 apply to be superintendent in Naperville

Roughly 40 educators have applied to be the next superintendent of Naperville Unit District 203.

The district is searching for a replacement for Superintendent Alan Leis, who is retiring at the end of June.

While search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates is handling the applications at this stage, board President Suzyn Price said early reports are encouraging.

"We're hearing positive things, they're getting wonderful candidates, and that it is an easy sell," she said. "The district is perceived nationally as an excellent place to be and we're excited."

Leis joined the district in 2003 and is retiring after about 40 years in education. His replacement will oversee 21 schools and roughly 18,000 students as well as $114.9 million in ongoing facilities projects around the district.

Price estimates about 30 of the applicants are men but was unsure whether any are from within the district. Some are, however, from out of state.

Using criteria the board established, the firm will weed through the resumes and about five or six will be called in for interviews with board members that will be conducted Jan. 16-19.

In the fall, the search firm interviewed more than 200 administrators, teachers, parents, students and community members about what they would like in a superintendent and found a desire for someone who can continue the high level of achievement Leis has helped foster. Other specifications include someone who communicates well, collaborates effectively, has experience at all levels, can oversee financial issues and can address growing diversity.

The board plans to announce its choice in mid to late February.

District 203 is also looking for new principals for both Naperville North and Central high schools. North Principal Ross Truemper is retiring in June and Central Principal Bill Wiesbrook is at the helm on an interim basis. The hiring of new principals will likely take place after the new superintendent is in position in order to give him or her a chance to have input in that selection.