Story posted Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Dist. 64 Invites Public To Help In Superintendent Search
By DWIGHT ESAU Journal & Topics Reporter
In Park Ridge-Niles School District 64, it takes a community to select a new superintendent.
Like virtually everything else it does, the district is involving the community in the recently launched search for a new superintendent.
The board of education is inviting all Park Ridge and Niles community members to participate in the search process. They can do this either in person at two upcoming public forums, or by submitting a survey form.
The board has engaged the services of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to help it conduct a national search for someone to replace Dr. Sally Pryor. She is retiring next June after 38 years in education, 18 of them in District 64.
"A key step in the search process is to identify the values and priorities of our community to form a profile of the characteristics we will be seeking in a new superintendent," said board president John Heyde. "We will greatly appreciate the input and assistance of all members of our community in defining these criteria."
Two public forums will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 9:30 a.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Both events will be held in the Washington School auditorium, 1500 Stewart Ave., Park Ridge, and will be facilitated by Hazard, Young representatives.
Written surveys may be submitted at any time through Friday, Dec. 4. Forms are available on the District 64 website - www.d64.org - at all school offices, or the District 64 educational service center, 164 W. Prospect Ave. Forms may be returned in person, or via e-mail, mail, or fax.
The survey asks respondents to note two or three significant strengths of the district as well as 2-3 important challenges it faces.
A third question asks for 2-3 characteristics a new superintendent should have.
Respondents also are asked to rank 10 characteristics/skills.
A series of smaller gatherings also are being scheduled on the same dates for District 64 employee, parent, and student groups as well as Park Ridge and Niles civic, community, religious, and youth organizations.
The search firm will compile information from the meetings and surveys and present a leadership profile to the board at a public meeting on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the educational service center.
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