D-205 Leader Leaving 3 Months Early

ELMHURST, IL — Protesters outside an Elmhurst School District 205 board meeting last week called for the early exit of Superintendent Dave Moyer.

They got their wish Monday.

In a statement, the district announced that Moyer is leaving March 31, three months earlier than expected.

In mid-January, Moyer revealed to the public that he was leaving to become superintendent of a school district in New York. His Elmhurst contract was expected to run through June 30.

According to the statement, the school board and Moyer have worked together to develop a transition plan and let Moyer get settled in New York.

The board is expected to appoint Linda Yonke, former superintendent of New Trier High School and former principal of York High School, as the interim superintendent for the remainder of the school year or until a new superintendent can assume the role.

Yonke is one of the consultants with Oak Park-based School Exec Connect, which is helping the district recruit a new superintendent. At a recent board meeting, Yonke said, "There is a perception that principals are not part of the decision-making process. The principals feel a little bit like a stepchild without a clear way to communicate with district office."

Moyer is leaving at a time when the district is planning to begin full, in-person learning starting April 12.

In the statement, signed by school board President Kara Caforio, the board said it was appreciative of Moyer's dedication to increasing and improving learning opportunities for all students and staff.

Outside last week's regular board meeting, protesters chanted, "Moyer Must Go!" They blamed him for what they consider the slow return to in-person learning.

Moyer has been Elmhurst's superintendent for the last six years. The board has said it expects to name a new superintendent by next month.