District 94 superintendent announces retirement plans

Superintendent Douglas Domeracki, who has led West Chicago High School District 94 since 2013, will retire at the end of the school year.

He announced his plans at Tuesday night's school board meeting. His last day in the district will be June 30, 2019.

Officials said the school board will hire a search firm to help find Domeracki's successor and there will be "significant" faculty, staff, student, parent and community input in the selection process.

During his tenure, the district was named to the College Board AP Honor Roll several times for opening advanced placement classroom doors to a broader range of students.

He also was instrumental in implementing the district's 1 to 1 program, which provides an electronic device to all students for use for coursework in school and at home.

He wrote the legislation and spearheaded the test program for e-Learning Days in Illinois, allowing students to communicate with teachers and complete coursework at home as an alternative to snow days.

He also led the district through a series of building improvements that began in 2014, including creating home and commercial kitchens, child development classrooms and labs, a Student Services Center, a College and Career Center and a Student Activity Center.

All the school's math and science classrooms were remodeled, creating flexible spaces and equipment that earned design awards for transforming the way science is taught.

"Dr. Domeracki has been an exceptional educational leader," school board President Gary Saake said in a written statement. "His vision of, and commitment to, excellence will have a long-lasting impact on the school and community."

"I have so enjoyed my work for the district and I am extremely proud of the district's accomplishments on behalf of students, parents, staff and community members in all areas, including teaching and learning, special services, support services, activities, finance, buildings and grounds and policy," Domeracki wrote in a letter to faculty and staff. " ... I will never forget this tremendous opportunity to lead such a fine school district."

Domeracki said he plans to continue to serve students in "both personal and professional avenues" during his retirement.

West Chicago High School serves roughly 2,100 students from Carol Stream, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield.