District 73 superintendent decision nears

The search for a new superintendent in Vernon Hills-based Hawthorn Elementary District 73 is nearing a conclusion.

The list of candidates has been pared from 40 and the school board within the past week interviewed three finalists.

District 73 wants to replace Nick Brown, who resigned unexpectedly this past May after six years. Two interim superintendents, Mark Friedman and Joe Porto, were hired for 2018-19 while a full-time search was conducted. That has included an online survey for community members to say what qualities they would like to see in a new superintendent and a day of focus groups with teachers, staff and other stakeholders for input.

The new superintendent is expected to be announced in coming weeks, with a start date of July 1.