Past superintendents

Here's a look at the superintendents who have served in Indian Prairie Unit District 204 since it was created in 1972:

Thayer J. Hill, 1972-1975

He was the district's first superintendent and served until his death. He previously served as assistant superintendent of Naperville District 107, which was one of the districts that combined to become Indian Prairie.

Clifford Crone, 1975-1986

He was described as a soothing presence as the district was transformed from three separate rural districts into one of the state's fastest-growing unit districts. He retained ownership of school building plans, which ultimately saved the district hundreds of thousands of dollars in architect's fees.

Thomas Scullen, 1986-1995

When he arrived, the district had seven schools and 3,853 students; when he left, it had 17 schools and 12,500 students. He helped create a system still in use in which citizen committees are used to build support for referendum questions.

Gail McKinzie, 1995-2004

She oversaw some of the district's greatest growth and helped pass referendums in 1997 and 2001. During her tenure, the district built 16 schools and saw enrollment more than double to 26,000. She also helped create the two-campus concept designed to ease crowding at Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley high schools.

Howard Crouse, 2004-2007

He joined the district in 1981 as a principal when it had six schools and 2,400 students and played key roles in its growth as he rose steadily through the ranks. As superintendent, he helped pass the $124.7 million referendum to build a third high school and was one of the architects of using citizen committees to build support for tax increases.

Stephen Daeschner, 2007-09

He came to Indian Prairie after 14 years as head of the Jefferson County school system in Louisville, Ky., but accepted another job this week after less than two years in District 204 - and with another year remaining on his contract. Was at the helm as the district struggled to find a place for the new Metea Valley High School and helped oversee construction of the school scheduled to open this fall. Helped launch an all-day kindergarten program.

Source: Indian Prairie Unit District 204 and Daily Herald reports