The Joliet Township High School District 204 Board of Education convened Monday during a special session to approve the selection of professional executive search firm to lead efforts to find its next superintendent.
In a 5-0 vote, officials decided to hire the Illinois Association of School Boards. Board Vice President David Skorupa and Board Member Angel Contreras were absent.
Board action comes after officials sat in on three presentations made by professional executive search firms.
The District used a template to gather like information from each firm to outline what they provided and what type of resources they had.
Board Secretary Tracy Spesia said the District liked the way the Illinois Association of School Boards allows for personalization in the type of search services that could be used.
The District anticipates holding its first meeting with the Illinois Association of School Boards by mid-July to help officials in determining what is the timetable and what services are necessary. At that time, those details will be presented to the Board of Education at its monthly meeting.
Board Member Meg Cappel said that choosing the Illinois Association of School Boards was a great choice and that it allows the District to meet the needs of the Board of Education and the community.
Board President Jeff Pierson shared that sentiment, saying he is comfortable knowing they did their research and knew a lot about District 204.
Superintendent Dr. Cheryl McCarthy is set to retire at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year.
The process of selecting another lead school official will be a first for the District in nearly 33 years.
Spesia intends to serve as the District’s point person for matters involving the superintendent search.
The agreement, as approved, goes to the Illinois Association of School Boards over BWP & Associates and School Exec Connect. In it, the District agrees to pay $12,900 for search services, with the understanding that more services are available at an additional cost.