Search Narrows for District 113 Superintendent

Submitted by Jennie Waldorf, District 113

Township High School District 113 is moving along well with its searches for several leadership roles in the school district. The Board of Education is currently interviewing candidates for the position of Superintendent of Schools. Twenty-four applications were received through the recruitment and advertising efforts of the consulting firm of Hazard, Young, Attea, and Associates. The consultants interviewed 20 applicants and/or potential candidates who were recruited for the position. The pool of candidates included current as well as aspiring superintendents from seven different states representing both gender and racial diversity.

The Board reviewed 17 submitted applications and determined a slate of six candidates they desired to interview. Semi-finalist candidates will be identified by the Board and asked back for second interviews. A 22-member committee composed of students, parents, staff, and community members will also interview the semi-finalist candidates and provide feedback to the Board on each of the candidates they interview. The Board will determine their preferred candidate and hope to make an announcement in late January.

On December 8, HYA presented updated information to the District 113 Board of Education regarding the desired characteristics for the roles of Director and Student Services and principals for Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools. This report was based on 504 surveys completed and the feedback shared by 253 people who participated in personal interviews/focus groups in October and November. Recruiting and screening efforts will be conducted in January 2015 and interviews will be conducted in February. Stakeholder committees, along with the new Superintendent and the Board, will be involved with these interviews.