Latest news with #District181
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Dist. 181 hopes to have new superintendent lined up by December
Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 is continuing its search for a new superintendent with plans to wrap up the process in time for a Dec. 15 board vote for approval. The new superintendent will begin work July 1, 2026. District 181 is working with BWP & Associates, a Libertyville-based consultant that specializes in educational leadership searches. The search for a new top administrator was prompted by the announcement last fall by Hector Garcia that he plans to retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year. He was hired as superintendent in February 2018 after an extensive search and began his tenure at District 181 on July 1 of that year. The board has outlined key parameters and timelines for the search process, emphasizing a commitment to finding the best candidate to lead the district. The search for a new superintendent will be conducted with candidate confidentiality to increase the pool of applicants. Also, the district will gather input from administrators, teachers, staff, PTO/parents, and community partners through an online survey, which will be posted on an, as yet, unspecified date. Survey questions will include questions, such as the perceived strengths of District 181, important leadership skills and characteristics sought in a new superintendent, and the importance of previous educational experience for that person. BWP & Associates will screen initial applicants, and the board will conduct interviews in multiple rounds. 'This structured approach demonstrates the board's dedication to a thorough search,' said Jeffrey Alstadt, District 181's director of communications. 'The community can anticipate regular updates as the process unfolds and the district moves closer to selecting its next superintendent.' Board President William Cotter said he believes District 181's strong reputation as an outstanding district will significantly help to attract talented candidates to replace Garcia. 'Our board's effective governance and Dr. Garcia's leadership in shaping a positive culture will serve as even greater attractions for exceptional candidates,' he said. Cotter said a baseline expectation for Garcia's successor will be the commitment to strive for even loftier student outcomes than those we've achieved during Garcia's tenure. Garcia has been at the helm while the district gained national and state recognition, had outstanding academic performance, completed major construction projects, added full-day kindergarten, increased safety efforts and had administrator stability. 'I'm most proud of the fact that we have created a culture in which our students are able to thrive and parents remain very supportive of our work,' Garcia said. 'Regarding our more tangible accomplishments, I am particularly proud that our district has garnered both state and national recognition for our efforts.'
Chicago Tribune
12-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Safety measures an ‘ongoing journey' at Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills District 181
Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 has an ongoing process to create the safest possible environment at its schools. And while many procedures already have been put into place to help achieve that goal, additional efforts are planned for the 2025-26 school year. 'At D181, we believe safety is an ongoing journey,' said Jeffrey Alstadt, the district's director of communications. 'District 181 is committed to a comprehensive approach to student safety.' Alstadt said past efforts have focused on secure facilities, standard operating procedures and physical security enhancements such as controlled entrances, along with recently emphasizing improved communication and collaboration with local law enforcement. 'District 181 has made significant strides in bolstering safety across our schools through a multi-faceted approach focusing on facilities, standard operating procedures, and dedicated personnel,' Alstadt said. 'This comprehensive foundation of facility upgrades, well-defined procedures, and dedicated personnel underscores District 181's commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff.' Planned enhancements for the 2025-26 school year include standard operating procedures being further refined with CrisisGo (a company that specializes in safety solutions) integrated for drills and real-time emergencies, and expanding the safety team by increasing the safety officer presence, with schedules strategically designed to maximize coverage. 'We will continue to utilize the D181 Safety Officer Operations Manual, which includes important distinctions between a school resource officer and a D181 safety officer, a clear reporting structure and schedules, ongoing training and support, and uniform/equipment guidelines,' Alstadt said. He also said there will be enhanced communication to keep the community informed. 'We'll continue sharing safety tips and safety updates through superintendent and district update messages,' he said. During the 2023-24 school year, District 181 enhanced its safety measures by implementing a three-point entry system and bolstering security at entrances. '(And) upgraded cameras throughout the buildings provide increased situational awareness,' Alstadt said. Additionally, staff has received training on the Verkada Guest Upgrade system, streamlining visitor management, he said. To better secure the district's facilities, it invested in physical security measures, such as safety vestibules, secure office areas, and a visitor ID management system, exterior card readers, and safety window film to add additional barriers.
Chicago Tribune
25-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Hinsdale school administrator salaries average $148K
Salaries for the 2025-26 school year approved last week for 24 administrators by the Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 Board average $148,617, ranging from $96,424 to $312,301. School building administrators include the district's nine principals, assistant principals at both Hinsdale Middle School and Clarendon Hills Middle School, and three pupil service administrators. The remaining 10 new salaries approved were for staffers working at the district level. The top salary is for Superintendent Hector Garcia, whose salary will be $312,301 for his final year at District 181, before he retires. He was hired in February 2018 and was paid $235,000 for his first year. At the low end of the administrators' salaries is the district's director of communications and safety, Jeffrey Alstadt, at $96,424. Alstadt said the district conducts administrator salary studies every three years to ensure that all administrative positions remain competitive within the market. 'As one of the highest-performing districts in the State of Illinois, District 181 recognizes the critical importance of having exceptional leadership at the administrative level,' he said. 'District 181 is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified professionals, while maintaining a strong focus on responsible fiscal management within our defined budgetary framework. 'Certainly, competitive salary packages play a role in the district's recruitment efforts, but it is the vibrant school culture, our exceptional students, and the dedication of our staff that truly set us apart and enable us to attract top talent.' For determining annual salary increases, Alstadt said District 181 uses its administrator salary studies to maintain competitive compensation for all administrative positions and then follows the Consumer Price Index for subsequent years. Approved 2025-26 administrators' salaries: Erick Jones, assistant principal, Clarendon Hills Middle School: $116,343 Ronald May, assistant principal, Hinsdale Middle School, $128,466 Mindy Bradford, assistant superintendent of business and operations, $204,895 Gina Herrmann, assistant superintendent of human resources, $192,194 Kathleen Robinson assistant superintendent of learning, $207,810 Erica Ekstrom, assistant superintendent of student services, $166,658 Kristin Reingruber, director of assessment, instruction and evaluation, $142,964 Jeffrey Alstadt, director of communications and safety, $96,424 Michael Duggan, director of facilities, $123,104 Catie Norton, director of financial services, $118,055 Matthew Kunesh, director of technology, $129,189 Levi Brown, principal, Clarendon Hills Middle School, $155,480 Sara Olson, principal, Elm School, $154,083 Cory Burke, principal, Hinsdale Middle School, $142,241 Barbara Shanahan, principal, Madison School, $138,067 Erin Eder, principal, Monroe School, $130,253 Effey Nassis, principal, Oak School, $136,854 Kristin Cummings, principal, Prospect School, $147,858 Brandon Todd, principal, The Lane School, $153,399 Eric Chisausky, principal, Walker School, $153,238 Kylee Nosalik, pupil service administrator, Clarendon Hills Middle/Prospect School, $103,906 Michelle Nugent, pupil service administrator, Monroe School/The Lane School, $102,835 Christopher Reid, pupil service administrator, Hinsdale Middle School, $110,194 Hector Garcia, superintendent, $312,301
