New D-67 Superintendent Eager, Knows Challenges Lie Ahead

Dr. Beth Sagett-Flores hopes to get a head start meeting people in Golf School District 67 this month and next.

That's because when she officially starts as the district's superintendent on July 1, she'll be walking into a construction zone. She will likely have to work off-site, she said, because major renovation projects will be going on at both Hynes Elementary and Golf Middle School.

Not only that, but she will need to hire a new principal and a new business manager--and she knows she will be leading a district in which voters three times have defeated referendum requests to increase the tax rate. (A construction referendum did pass; hence the construction work.)

Earlier: District 67 referendum loses

Far from being daunted, Sagett-Flores can hardly wait to get started.

"I'm extremely excited, and I look forward to it," she said. "A smaller district is very appealing to me, because it will be very hands-on. 

"I look forward to being back in schools and dealing with instruction and curriculum issues. I know they have some challenges, and I look forward to that."

Earlier in her career, Sagett-Flores, who holds a doctorate of education in school administration, worked as a teacher and principal in the Chicago Public Schools, then served seven years as principal of Lincolnwood School in Evanston-Skokie District 65.

A mentor suggested she try moving to Human Resources in order to get more administrative experience to prepare to be a superintendent. She followed through, and currently serves as HR Director in District 65, which has 17 schools and about 1,250 employees in multiple bargaining units.

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"Personnel make up 85 percent of a (school district's) budget, so between dealing with the hiring process, the separation process, benefits, grievances, all those aspects, you really don't know about it until you work in it," she said.

Dealing with negotiations, as well as things like financial projections, has prepared her well to be a superintendent, she said.

"In a smaller district, you have to wear all the hats," she observed. 

A new principal, to succeed Erin Stein, and a new business manager, to succeed Jim Fitt, will be among her first hires. Before she comes on board officially, however, she plans to meet teachers and hopes to get a coffee meet and greet session going with parents as well. She will also work closely on a transition with Dr. Jamie Reilly, the current superintendent. 

When asked her thoughts on future prospects for a referendum, Sagett-Flores said she'll try to get a feel for the district before she proposes action.

"I want to figure it out first. I want to understand why people are voting no," she said.

She said she wants residents to undertand the many things the schools are doing well.

"There's a lot to celebrate in this district," she remarked. 

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