Current Assistant Superintendent Chosen For Promotion To D304 Top Spot

GENEVA, IL — The Geneva School District 304 Board of Education unanimously selected Andrew Barrett on Wednesday as the next superintendent, pending a successful outcome of contract negotiations.

Barrett, who has been with the district since 2006, is currently the assistant superintendent for learning and teaching.

Once negotiations are successful, Barrett's appointment will be approved at an upcoming Board meeting. He will then assume the role of superintendent July 1, officials said.

"I have been truly honored to be part of the wonderful educational community of Geneva 304 for the past seventeen years, and I am beyond grateful to be entrusted with the important responsibilities that come along with the superintendency," Barrett said in a statement. "I am excited for the opportunity to lead such a vibrant educational community, and I look forward to our continued work together preparing our students to be self-directed, creative, and collaborative citizens."

Before Barrett's appointment, the decision came down to two candidates — he and Elizabeth Freeman, who currently serves as the chief academic officer at Algonquin School District 300.

Ray & Associates was hired by the Board to conduct a nationwide search for possible superintendents, resulting in a pool of 38 candidates. The group was narrowed down to Barrett and Freeman who participated in a public forum and final interviews with the Board Tuesday.

RELATED: District 304 Superintendent Search Narrowed Down To 2 Candidates

The decision of Barrett's appointment came Wednesday after Board deliberations.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Education, we are excited about this new direction for the district and our ongoing pursuit of Geneva 304's Tradition of Excellence," Board President Michael McCormick said in a statement.

Before assistant superintendent, Barrett served as both the director of learning and teaching and principal of Mill Creek Elementary School. His experience prior to District 304 includes working as an elementary teacher and a middle school administrator at West Aurora School District 129.

He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Monmouth College, a master's in educational administration and leadership from Aurora University, and a doctorate in educational policy, organization and leadership from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.