District 158 could go without operations chief

Starting next month, Huntley Unit District 158 will again have an opening at one of its top administrative posts.

Chief Operations Officer Dave Jenkins announced his resignation this week. and his former post could remain vacant for the foreseeable future as Superintendent John Burkey tries to rein in costs.

"It's very unlikely at least in the next few years that I will recommend replacing it as it was," Burkey said. "We have to look at every place we can save some dollars."

Jenkins has served as operations chief since Glen Stewart resigned from the post for undisclosed reasons in April 2008.

If the position remains unfilled, other district administrators will divide Jenkins' former responsibilities, Burkey said.

Before becoming head of operations, Jenkins, who joined District 158 in 2000, was the district's technology director. He will return to that role at Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 in January.

"I've been in technology for most of my 10 years. That's pretty much my passion," Jenkins said this week. "It just gets me excited to get up in the morning."

Jenkins said returning to his former post, albeit in another district, will allow him to spend more time with his children, who attend District 47 schools.

"The COO (post) just demands more of my time and mental energy," Jenkins said.

Still, Jenkins said he was sad to leave his co-workers and thankful for the opportunities he had in District 158.

"The hardest thing is the people, leaving the people," Jenkins said. "It was a tremendous opportunity for me here. I had the opportunity to be part of a team that built the infrastructure for seven-and-a-half new schools."

As operations chief, Jenkins has worked to resolve litigation over leaks at the district's Algonquin schools and helped the board plan for the future expansion of Huntley High School.

Burkey praised Jenkins at Thursday's board of education meeting.

"Dave is one of the most talented young administrators that I've ever worked with," Burkey said. "Our loss is another district's gain."

Burkey expects to make a recommendation next month on whether to replace Jenkins and how to divide his former responsibilities.