Black belt boss: New Dist. 301 super spills on goals, martial arts moves
Central Unit District 301 Superintendent Todd Stirn just wrapped up his second week on the job. In between teacher contract negotiations, we sat down with him and asked about his goals and plans for the 3,300-student district. Oh, and his black belt martial arts skills.
Here are his takes:
Q. What will be some of your primary tasks as Superintendent?
A. We're in the process of teacher contract negotiations right now. Their current contract wraps up the end of August. We're monitoring district finances, just because of the state's financial situation right now. I'm also in the midst of filling some key positions. Esther Martin, who was principal at Prairie Knolls Elementary in Elgin, is our new director of curriculum and assessment. Theresa Kolkebeck has been appointed to fill the principal post. We also brought our former student support director, Greg Rabenhorst, to work as assistant superintendent.
Q. What are some of your goals for the district in the next few years?
A. When you have a district of our size we're always focused on continued growth. This past week, I've had phone conversations with both our architect and construction management firm. Should federal money become available, we'd like to tap in and utilize that for several projects - we're looking at an addition to the high school, additional parking along with possible additions to the elementary and middle schools.
Q. Just three years ago, you were a fast-growing district. With the current housing crisis, how do you plan to deal with the lags in growth?
A. I've met with the assessors in Plato Center and Elgin. I think it's still going to be a while until the housing market turns around. That said, I don't have a crystal ball. I monitor new house development in the area on a monthly basis. It's at the lowest level it's been at in four and five years. I'm not expecting a huge insurgence of new students (next fall).
Q. You and outgoing Superintendent Brad Hawk worked very closely over the past few months. What did you learn during that time?
A. Brad Hawk has been an excellent mentor. We do not lead in isolation, he taught me, but by collaboration. ... It's never just one person.
Q. Tell us about your life outside of work.
A. Outside of work I'm about my family. I have one daughter who's 12, we live on the West side of Aurora. My wife and I like to exercise, we work out together.
Q. Any interesting quirks or hobbies?
A. Some people talk about golfing in their free time. I'd rather work out or fish or take part in martial arts. I have a couple of different black belts. One of them is in isshinryu karate.