St. Charles District 303 to begin superintendent search

St. Charles Unit School District 303 board members on Monday will begin discussing the process of searching for a new superintendent.

Superintendent Jason Pearson last week announced he will be leaving the district to become the superintendent of Northbrook School District 28 beginning July 1. Pearson will replace Larry Hewitt, who has been in the Northbrook post for the past 15 years.

Pearson has served as superintendent since 2017, after joining the administrative team in 2010 as an assistant superintendent and then deputy superintendent in 2016. His contract was renewed in 2019 and runs through June 30, 2022.

His current base salary is $231,198 a year. Pearson will see his annual salary increase to $245,000 a year in his new job.

"I am thankful to have had the opportunity to serve with you over the past 11½ years as area assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent and most recently as superintendent of schools," Pearson said in a message to staff.

Board President Jillian Barker said the board appreciates Pearson's service to the greater St. Charles community during his tenure in the district.

"His calm, compassionate, student-centered leadership style has provided guidance, support and vision for our students, staff and families," Barker said in a news release. "We look forward to partnering with him for the remainder of the year as we work to accomplish the board goals and priorities around completing a strategic plan, developing a 'portrait of a graduate' and engaging in an equity audit process."

Board members will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the search process.