New superintendent for Libertyville Dist. 70
The search generated national interest, but a hometown principal has been chosen to lead Libertyville Elementary District 70.
The new superintendent is Guy Schumacher, principal of Butterfield School the last four years, the district announced Monday. He will replace Mark Friedman, who is retiring after 17 years.
"Dr. Schumacher just met all of the criteria we had," said Inna Kerrigan, District 70 school board president.
"The fact that he was a known commodity is important," Kerrigan said. "We've seen his work ethic and his dedication to the boys and girls."
Before becoming principal at District 70's largest school, Schumacher, 48, served as assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and special services at North Shore District 112, principal of Ravinia Elementary School in Highland Park and a psychologist and associate principal at Northwood Junior High in Highland Park. He also was a school psychologist in District 62 in Des Plaines.
A Libertyville resident, Schumacher has a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from National-Louis University and a master's degree in school psychology from Illinois State University.
He will be officially hired by the school board Feb. 23 and assume the post July 1.
"We went through a very lengthy process. We did receive applicants from as far away as Alaska and California," said Laura Beltchenko, a District 70 school board member for 20 years. "We wanted to make sure the person we're hiring understood 21st century learning."
The district received more than 50 applications, including 20 from out of state. The announcement ends a five-month process in which the candidates were narrowed to seven finalists.
Schumacher said students benefit from "strong positive relationships with adults who guide and inspire them through their learning.
"Technology is also a piece of that but there is something to be said for other attributes, like problem solving," Schumacher said. "It's not only knowing the computer."
He said he wants to build on District 70's reputation as a high achieving district with a commitment to preparing children for the future.
The popular Friedman, superintendent since 1992, announced his retirement last June. In 2008, he was named by his peers as superintendent of the year in Lake County and in Illinois.