Survey Asks Community For Input On Next ETHS Superintendent

EVANSTON, IL — The Evanston Township High School District 202 board and the executive search firm the board hired to help with its search for a new superintendent released an online survey asking the community about their priorities for the school.

The eight-question survey unveiled Wednesday asks about what it will take for ETHS to be successful in the future, its existing strengths, room for improvement the importance of various skills to a potential future superintendent.

The questionnaire also provides respondents an opportunity to offer "anything else you want to share about the selection of ETHS's [new] superintendent.

Superintendent Eric Witherspoon announced in September that he would be stepping down in June after more than 16 years in charge of the one-school district. District officials have said Witherspoon's successor is expected to be named in late February or early March.

Last month, the school board approved an agreement with Alma Advisory Group to lead the search process for an anticipated cost of $25,000.

The board will attempt to create a clear profile of the next superintendent while working with Alma to figure out the community's priorities and aspirations, district representatives said at the time.

The online survey will remain open for responses through 5 p.m. on Jan. 31.

Alma and the district also plan to host several focus groups next month to gather additional community feedback.

“We are looking forward to thoughtful feedback from all stakeholder groups in this process,” Board President Pat Savage Williams said in a statement last month. “We have been extremely fortunate to have Dr. Witherspoon as a leader in our district and in our community, and the ETHS Board is committed to a careful and transparent plan in making the critical decision to choose the next leader for the district.”