Dist. 300 to be temporarily run by two administrators
Community Unit District 300 signed off on a new employment contract Wednesday for its incoming leader, Fred Heid, but he can't start working as superintendent until the state certifies the Florida native's credentials, officials said.
So, starting Monday, Heid will serve as chief executive officer while Ken Arndt, the district's former superintendent, works as interim superintendent, Board President Anne Miller said.
"It's in the works; we just have no idea how long it's going to take," Miller said of the state analysis.
Heid estimates the state review process could last 120 days. "They have the proof of employment ... and right now they're doing the course review to make sure that there are no deficiencies - that's the holdup," Heid explained. "I will do everything I can to make sure we accelerate that timeline."
The arrangement means Arndt and Heid will make decisions about the Algonquin-based district as a team.
"Day-to-day I'll be here, and then he and I will collaborate on any major decisions or submissions to the state," Heid said.
The district will compensate Arndt for his service, but those details haven't been finalized, Miller said, adding that Arndt just agreed to the arrangement Wednesday evening. Arndt was superintendent from 2001 to 2011.
Heid, 43, who will become the district's first Latino superintendent, is moving to the area from Jacksonville, Florida, with his wife and son. As part of the employment contract the board approved Wednesday, he will receive up to $9,000 in moving expenses to relocate within 15 miles of the district's boundaries. Heid already has his eyes on property in Gilberts and Sleepy Hollow.
Under the contract, Heid, previously chief academic officer for the Duval County Public Schools, will make $210,000 a year and receive $400 a month toward gasoline. The board also has agreed to pay his membership fees in various community, civic and professional organizations and associations.
His contract expires June 30, 2015. Heid replaces Michael Bregy, who now runs North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park.