Story posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009
District 59 Assistant Head Stepping Down
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
After eight years, Elk Grove Township Elementary Dist. 59 Asst. Supt. for Educational Services Dr. Jennifer Hammerslag Placek is retiring, effective June 30.
However, Placek declined to comment on her departure, and informed school board members and Supt. Dr. Dan Schweers only last Friday (June 5).
"She had been talking about retiring throughout this past school year," said Schweers. "We are not sure if she is officially retiring or going to another district, because she hasn't informed us of her future plans. All she did was thank us for the opportunity to serve students and staff."
A majority of Placek's responsibilities, according to Schweers, centered around assisting special education students. She also generated student disciplinary reports and tabulated student records.
"The district's special education program has grown during her time with the district," said Schweers. "One of the things that has happened over the past eight years is fewer students sent to programs outside the district. Ten years ago you would find a larger percentage of special education students sent outside the district because we didn't house those programs. Since then, we have expanded our programs and services."
Of the 6,100 students enrolled in Dist. 59, approximately 11%, or 600-700 students, are part of the special education program.
With Placek's abrupt departure and little time to hire anyone for next year, Schweers said Placek's responsibilities will be "absorbed" by current staff for next year.
"If all goes well, we will conduct a search in a timely fashion toward the middle part of next year for the 2010-11 school year," said Schweers.
Schweers added at this time he is unsure who or how many people will take over Placek's responsibilities.
Placek was on a year-to-year basis and earned $142,216 this school year. She would have earned more next year if she stayed on, Schweers said. Instead, the district will save that salary expense next year.
"The one thing every administrator would like to hear about them is that they kept the best interest of the students at the center of her thinking and approach, and that's the highest praise you can receive in my opinion," said Schweers.
In 2007, Placek was accused by some parents of allegedly "hiding information, and providing threats and mental anguish." Some parents claimed Placek said educational decisions on special education students are made prior to meeting with parents.
There were also claims that Placek didn't let parents know about the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) program.
Schweers added he doesn't plan on retiring for another five years.
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