District 59 invites community input on superintendent search

Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 will conduct focus group meetings allowing district residents to weigh in on the search for a new superintendent. Superintendent Daniel Schweers is set to retire at the end of the current academic year on July 31.

The three forums will be held Thursday, Sept. 13, in the auditorium at Friendship Junior High School, 550 Elizabeth Lane, Des Plaines. There will be a 6 p.m. session open to all; a 7 p.m. session for parents and guardians of current students; and an 8 p.m. session for non-parent community members and business leaders.

Community members unable to participate may complete an online survey under the link titled “superintendent search” on the District 59 website, ccsd59.org, between Sept. 17 and 28. Paper copies of the survey will be available at each of the district schools or at the district’s administration building during that time.

The focus groups will be led by Harry Rossi and Gary Zabilka, consultants with School Exec Connect, the firm helping with the superintendent search. The purpose of the groups is to review the district’s strengths, challenges and goals, and determine the attributes essential for a new superintendent to be successful.

The information will be used along with data collected last spring as a part of a Strategic Planning process conducted by the firm ECRA to develop a profile for selecting the best candidates.

For information or to reserve a place for child care, call (847) 593-4310. Spanish and Polish interpreters will be available.