Latest news with #Hinsdale-ClarendonHillsElementaryDistrict181
Chicago Tribune
3 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.
