Wheaton Warrenville Dist. 200 wants input on superintendent search

Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 school board members are seeking input from the community in their quest to find a new superintendent.

The school board parted ways with Richard Drury in October. Now officials are moving forward with the process of finding a replacement without using a professional search firm.

On Wednesday, the board reviewed a one-page "superintendent profile" listing the qualities it would like to see in the next superintendent, including "visionary leadership" and an ability to "create, articulate and implement strategies to address fiscal challenges, technological innovation, educational initiatives and legislative directives that impact delivery of school services, now and in the future."

The next superintendent also is expected to be knowledgeable, "exhibit outstanding communications skills" and maintain a high level of visibility throughout the district's schools and communities.

A longtime district administrator, Charles Baker, has been serving as interim superintendent since Drury stepped down. Drury remains on the district payroll through March 9.

Board member Barbara Intihar acknowledges finding one person who meets all the criteria will be difficult.

"But there's no problem, in my view, looking for Superman," Intihar said, "because we always want to reach high."

Officials said the plan is to post the entire profile this week on the district's Web site so residents can review it and offer suggestions.

"I do hope the public will take advantage of looking at this and giving us some feedback, because we would appreciate it," board member Rosemary Swanson said. "It's going to strengthen our thinking and it would be helpful to us."

Previously, school officials had said the goal was to have Drury's replacement named by March with the new person starting in July.

But on Wednesday, board members stressed the search process won't be rushed.

"We're going to make sure we make the right decision," board member Joann Coghill said.

As part of the interview process, a panel comprised of various community representatives will meet with the finalists and provide feedback to the school board. The so-called "stakeholders" panel will include Wheaton and Warrenville officials, school principals, teachers and high school students.