District 230 Adjusts Administration Structure, Plans for Future

With an eye on the future, Consolidated High School District 230 continues to make incremental adjustments to its administrative structure, aimed at aligning administrative positions to the focus of our Strategic Framework goals and in order to strategically prepare for the future.

The Board of Education recently approved a succession plan for the 2025 retirement of Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Julia Wheaton. Beginning July 1, 2024, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Dr. Katie McMillan will transition to the Human Resources position and Dr. Wheaton will be named Associate Superintendent for her last year of employment with the District.

These changes will allow the district to accelerate the adjustment of Dr. McMillan to Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and in turn, speed up the transition by whomever replaces her. Both Drs. Wheaton and McMillan can train and mentor, helping alleviate predictive challenges regarding recruitment and retention of qualified administrative, certified and classified positions. This new position of Associate Superintendent will also focus on long-term efficiencies in hiring, programming, and operations to maximize effectiveness to expand vital programming for students in the areas of CTE, specialized educational services, and dual credit/AP programming.

“Too often in school administration, veteran personnel retire and we lose their expertise. This succession plan will allow us to capitalize on the knowledge, skills and abilities of our employees before they retire or transition out of a position. We are also doing so in a manner that is aimed at a net zero increase in administrative salaries for this upcoming fiscal year and reductions in the following school year. We plan to do so with respect for current administrators, and with a focus on enhancing our district’s strategic vision,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Nolting.

“By restructuring Dr. Wheaton’s work more globally across the district, she will also be available to answer whatever HR questions arise. Likewise. Dr. McMillan will be able to assist whomever replaces her in Instructional Services. It’s a win-win for the district. Retaining our talent and having them available as resources will help make for a smooth transition, allowing those new to their positions to acclimate and integrate faster,” Nolting added.

"With a forward-looking perspective, District 230 is proactively aligning a seamless succession plan that ensures a smooth transition. This innovative approach harnesses the knowledge and skills of our experienced educators and addresses potential challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel,” said Board President Melissa Gracias.

The timing of this personnel change is to provide ample time to secure positions in Instructional Services and begin to post related administrative and high needs teacher areas to be the most competitive in the very tight marketplace. As the semester progresses, we will announce related adjustments to our leadership structure to balance fiscal accountability and a highly competitive hiring process to bring the best educators to District 230.