Journal & Topics Media Group

Closer Look At New Dist. 59 Superintendent’s Three-Year Contract


Terri Bresnahan

In her new position as superintendent of Elk Grove Township School Dist. 59, Terri Bresnahan’s three-year contract will earn her a base salary of $235,000 per year, plus a $600 per month cash vehicle allowance and a $75 per month allowance for a phone.

The contract includes a 2.5% annual increase in base pay and picks up Bresnahan’s employee portion of contributions to the state Teachers’ Retirement System pension fund along with the employee portion to the state health fund. 

The contract includes a severance provision and a clause for Bresnahan to pay the district if she leaves before the end of the contract’s term. 

If the board of education ends Bresnahan’s employment without cause, she would be entitled to the remainder of that year’s salary along with health insurance costs beginning at the close of the second year of the contract term with 60 days notice.

If Bresnahan opts to leave before the end of her contract term, she would owe the district $20,000, so long as she gave 120 days notice. If she provides less than 120 days notice, she would owe the district $40,000.

Dist. 59 School Board President Janice Krinsky said that fee would help offset the cost of hiring a search firm to recruit another superintendent.   

District officials Monday announced the hiring of Bresnahan, who will replace outgoing Supt. Art Fessler July 1. Bresnahan is currently superintendent at Berkeley School Dist. 87, a post she has held for the last six years. Before being promoted to superintendent, Bresnahan was Dist. 87’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for one year.

Krinsky said Bresnahan’s experience conducting assessments along with addressing inequity, a history of bringing school staff and community members together, along with strong communication skills put her ahead as the top candidate for the job. 

“We had many excellent candidates from which to choose,” Krinsky said. “In the end, Dr. Bresnahan rose to the top because of the depth and breadth of experience she will bring to the district. She is a strong advocate for all children, and she has been an outstanding leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion work. We believe her current work in a district with very similar demographics as Dist. 59 will prepare her for success in leading our district.”

Bresnahan began her career in education as a middle school math teacher before becoming an elementary teacher in San Bernardino, CA. 

Although her educational career began in California, much of Bresnahan’s education was earned in Illinois. She earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a master of science degree in education in educational technology from Azusa Pacific University, a certificate of advanced study degree from National Louis University, and a doctorate of education from National Louis University.

Her previous work experience includes serving as director of technology in Park Ridge-Niles Dist. 64 and holding technology positions in Addison Dist. 4, Avoca Dist. 37 and River Trails Dist. 26.

The search for a new superintendent to replace Fessler was conducted by the search firm School Exec Connect. Krinsky said 30 people applied for the job. After initial interviews, that field was narrowed to 10 candidates, then to three who were interviewed over two days Dec. 16-17. A draft contract was sent out that week. Krinsky said the holidays slightly delayed the hiring process.

“It is an honor to be selected as the next superintendent for Dist. 59,” Bresnahan said in a written statement. “Throughout the interview process, the district’s core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion were self-evident. The passion and dedication of the staff, families, and board of education are truly remarkable. I look forward to this opportunity to serve the community of Dist. 59 and carry forward its tradition of excellence for all students.”

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4 responses to “Closer Look At New Dist. 59 Superintendent’s Three-Year Contract”

  1. Anonymous says:

    $235k IS NOT ENOUGH for her! Why is she being paid so much in extra’s! $600 a month for a car is crazy! You can lease a car for under $400 a month and $75 a month for phone? I pay $20 for cell. Then pay for her retirement contributions and medical insurance! This is just why we need to speak out! Our Taxes for the school system is outrageous! What average person gets this! Most people can’t even get a living wage, and must still pay for their own health care and social security portion on an average annual salary of $30k is they can get $15 per hour.

    • Anonymous says:

      Strongly agree !!!

      • Anonymous says:

        Plus, she’s a witch. All those commendations are fluff. To accept as much as she did in SD87 where most families barely get by, she’s content to sit on a throne. Good luck eating her cake crumbs. Her Ed.D. doesn’t allow for common sense nor understanding of what inclusion really means. Oh, but she’ll give you an ear full.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Strongly agree

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