Batavia promotes high school principal to superintendent

The Batavia public school district has promoted from within to fill the job of superintendent.

The school board Tuesday named Lisa Hichens, the Batavia High School principal, as the district's next leader.

She will replace Jack Barshinger, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

“I'm so grateful for the opportunity and I won't let you down,” Hichens said.

Eight candidates were initially interviewed, by groups of community members, the district's unions, and the school board.

Board member Kathleen Roberts said people may wonder why Batavia didn't hire a veteran superintendent.

“If you look back over the years ... we've always had new superintendents,” she said, noting that Barshinger was the only one hired with experience. “And they have all been wonderful superintendents in the past.”

Hichens started working for Batavia High in 1994 as a teacher. She then became a dean, an assistant principal, then principal.

“Every step of the way I felt supported. I am looking forward to learning and growing along with the rest of the district,” Hichens said.

The consultant hired to conduct the search praised the board for its emphasis on staff development.

“The ‘grow-your-own' idea has been done very well in this district,” said Tom Madden, of School Exec Connect.

Hichens has a three-year contract. starting July 1, 2013. Her salary will be $170,000 the first year, $172,550 the next and $176,863 the third. She will be paid a $12,500 annuity each year. The district will contribute $18,529 for her to the Teachers' Retirement System the first year, $18,788 the next and $19,226 in the third.

She will also be paid $700 per quarter for automobile travel expenses within Kane County, and receive a per-mile reimbursement for automobile travel outside of Kane County.