Dist. 203 to name boss Monday
By Melissa Jenco
BEGIN_ATTRIBUTIONmjenco@dailyherald.comEND_ATTRIBUTION
Naperville Unit District 203 has chosen an out-of-state educator to be its next superintendent.
The board will vote on a contract for the new leader at a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday. Until then, members are releasing little information about him.
"The board is unanimous in our excitement about this opportunity and this person we're bringing in and looking so forward to announcing it to the community," board President Suzyn Price said.
The new superintendent will replace Alan Leis who is retiring after 40 years in education. Leis joined the district in 2003, making the move from Fairfax County, Va.
Search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates helped hire Leis and has also been assisting with the current search process.
It interviewed roughly 200 teachers, students, staff, parents and other residents to find out what qualities they are looking for in a new leader. The stakeholders said they want a superintendent who communicates well, collaborates effectively, has experience at all levels, has knowledge of finances and can address the district's growing diversity.
Roughly 40 people applied for the post. Earlier this month, the school board interviewed the top five candidates.
Price and board member Mike Jaensch then made a site visit to the former district of their top candidate.
"This has been a remarkable process and one that has brought us together in focus on what this school district is and what it needs," Price said. "We're grateful for the input of the community and their ongoing support of this."
The new superintendent will take the helm July 1 and will oversee 21 schools and eventually an early childhood center as well, totaling roughly 18,000 students. The district is also in the midst of $114.9 million in facility improvements.
The board's pick will be in attendance at Monday's meeting which will include a reception. The regularly scheduled workshop for that night will be moved to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Both meetings will be held at the district administrative office, 203 W. Hillside Road.