District 59 superintendent retiring earlier than planned
Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 Superintendent Dan Schweers said Tuesday he will retire effective Dec. 31 citing ongoing health issues and the stress of the job.
“I have served as a superintendent of schools for 19 years, and it appears to have caught up with me, health-wise,” Schweers said in a news release.
Earlier this year, Schweers, 54, announced his retirement as of July 31, 2013, ending a 35-year career in education to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests.
Schweers started as District 59 superintendent in 2004 after serving in that role at LaSalle-Peru High School District from 1998-2004. His retirement comes a year and a half ahead of his contract's expiration.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our educators and the many members of the District 59 family these past nine years,” Schweers said in the release. “Together we have worked tirelessly to improve our kids' life chances. I hasten to add that the data will tell you we've been successful. At the same time, my wife and I have given this decision prayerful consideration, and have concluded that retirement is best for us at this point in our lives. We have two beautiful young grandchildren, and I'd like to be around as long as possible to watch them grow.”
After retirement, Schweers will be teaching graduate-level courses for education students getting their licenses to be principals as a part-time adjunct professor at North Park University in Chicago.
District 59 has solicited focus groups to help select a new superintendent to replace Schweers. In May, the school board hired School Exec Connect consulting firm to advertise the position and find potential candidates.
School Board President Brian Kiel thanked Schweers for his years of service and dedication to District 59 students. “We wish him well in his retirement,” he said in the news release.
District 59 encompasses the southern portion of Mount Prospect, Des Plaines west of Mount Prospect Road and most of Elk Grove Village.