New Millburn superintendent will face financial challenges

Ellen Mauer will face some challenging issues when she takes over in July as the new Millburn Elementary District 24 superintendent.

Mauer was named to the position to replace retiring James Menzer during a school board meeting Tuesday, at the same time the board decided 30 staff members would be cut from the payroll because of budget constraints.

Millburn, like many other schools across the suburbs is struggling to balance its books. Administrators needed to trim $1.2 million to balance next year's budget. A total of 30 full and part-time positions were cut. That included 11 full-time teachers.

"This was one of the hardest things we've ever had to do in the 10 years I've been on the board," school board President Ken Dewitt said of the cuts. "I've known these people for years. They are like family. It's very emotional."

Mauer, 43, of Libertyville, said she's up to the task of leading the district even in the face of its financial woes.

"I'm optimistic about the future of Millburn," she said. "The parents and board members are a compassionate and motivated group of people. They put the kids first in everything."

Currently a principal in Wilmette School District 39, Mauer comes to Millburn with 22 years of experience in education. In addition to her work in Wilmette, she was principal at Diamond Lake District 76 for nine years and was a teacher in Buffalo Grove District 102.

She said it's too early to be specific on what she might do to improve the financial situation.

"I'll be talking to staff and parents to get their ideas and input," Mauer said.

Menzer, who is stepping down after 14 years of service, said District 24 is facing the same issues as everyone else during this recession.

"We've had stagnant enrollment and rising costs," he said. "Revenue is less than anticipated and we needed to make cuts accordingly."

The teachers will finish out this school year and have a chance to be rehired next year if things improve, Menzer said.

Millburn Central and Millburn West schools serve students from Lindenhurst, Wadsworth and unincorporated areas of Lake Villa. There are 1,750 students from early childhood to eighth grade in the district.