District 94 tabs U-46 administrator as new superintendent

West Chicago Community High School District 94 school board members have reached a tentative agreement with the longtime educator they've selected to become their next superintendent.

Lalo Ponce, the assistant superintendent for administrative services in Elgin Area School District 46, on Thursday accepted District 94's offer to replace Superintendent Lee Rieck, who is retiring at the end of this school year.

While a contract is yet to be approved, Tony Reyes, president of the District 94 school board, on Friday expressed confidence a deal will be reached as early as April 14.

"It's a multiyear contract and it's a great opportunity for the community and the school," Reyes said. "We're really excited that Mr. Ponce is going to be our next superintendent."

Ponce said there are a few issues with the contract that need to be ironed out before it becomes official. His current job with U-46 is among seven administrative positions the district plans to eliminate at the end of this school year.

"I was offered the position (with District 94), and I have accepted," Ponce said.

Ponce said he applied for the District 94 post because the district has a lot to offer its students and community.

"West Chicago is a great community," he said. "There's a lot going on there. It's a high school district. That appeals to me. So I believe it's a great fit."

District 94 officials said during the regional search that they were looking for someone who would 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.

Reyes said he believes Ponce is the right person.

"I think the greatest gift that Mr. Ponce brings is knowledge of how to reach out to the parents of the community," Reyes said. "He brings a lot of skill in how to include the community and how to get them active in their school."

Ponce joined U-46 in 1993 as an area superintendent following a career with the Dallas Independent School District where he served as a teacher, principal, executive director and area director. He took his current position with U-46 in 2003.

Despite the difference in size between District 94 and U-46, Ponce said his role as an educator won't change.

"We'll have less students at 94," he said. "But as far as the central components of ensuring that students are nurtured and have all they need to do well in our society, that all remains the same."

He went on to say there's "no question" he will be comfortable in his new job.

"What will make me comfortable is working with a group of high schools students," Ponce said, "and working at a school district that nurtures the students and really puts them first."