D-112 Seeks Talent Search Proposal From Firm Linked To Controversial D-113 Hire

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — As North Shore School District 112 prepares to begin a talent search to find a permanent superintendent to begin work next year, board members have invited three recruiting firms to submit proposals.

One of the firms, Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYA) of Rosemont, has been chosen despite its connection to the controversial 2015 selection of a new superintendent for neighboring District 113. HYA's recommended candidate, Dr. Laurie Kimbrel, allegedly had undisclosed ties to the firm. Plus, her husband was accused of cyber-bullying on social media against her critics. She resigned before ever officially taking the post.

District 112 is currently being led by co-interim superintendents Jane Westerhold and Edward Rafferty. They were hired earlier this year to take over after former Superintendent Michael Bregy resigned unexpectedly in December.

District 112 board members expressed concern about how it would look to ask HYA to again participate in a talent search, Pioneer Press reported. Nonetheless, the board decided to request a proposal from the firm because it is among the most respected in the field.

Westerhold said she has worked as an associate of HYA since 2005, sometimes working as an independent contractor to assist with job searches, according to Highland Park News. Although her current contract blocks her from taking any outside work, she said it could likely be seen as a conflict of interest if she asked HYA for a proposal.

Both Westerhold and Rafferty are recently retired and thus limited by state teacher's pension rules to working a maximum of 100 days per school year. They are being paid $1,200 a day and do not receive benefits. District 112 hopes to have a new permanent superintendent in place by July 2018.

» Read more from Karen Berkowitz of Highland Park News

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