Elmhurst Schools Hire New Tech Director

ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst school district has named a new executive director of technology, who will start in July. Robert "RJ" Bialk is moving from a school district in Lake County, where he works as a technology director.

Bialk will replace Dave Smith, who is leaving his position. For the last five years, Bialk has been the technology director for Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District.

Bialk was interviewed by three committees in the Elmhurst Community Unit School District, which serves more than 8,000 students. At last week's board meeting, members voted unanimously for his hiring. "He clearly emerged as the top candidate," said Superintendent David Moyer, adding Bialk is working on his doctorate.

In his new job, Bialk will make $131,000 a year, Moyer said. In 2018, he pulled in $124,000 at Lincolnshire-Prairie View, according to OpenTheBooks.com.

Board member Margaret Harrell praised Smith's work for the district. "He has been a good steward in bringing us forward. We have made so many advances under his direction," she said.

Board members Karen Stuefen and Jim Collins abstained from the vote for Bialk. They did not explain why at the meeting.