Unit 40 Board Could Be Deciding on New Superintendent by End of October

The Effingham Unit 40 school board could be voting on the next superintendent by the end of October.

At a special meeting Monday evening, the Board met with representatives of their superintendent search firm on the results of an online survey. The survey results are expected to help guide the members in their decision as to who to hire. Current superintendent Mark Doan is retiring following the school year that opens on Wednesday.

There wasn't a lot of discussion. Board President Robin Klosterman said that was because most of the survey responses mirrored what the board members feel are keys as to who to choose.

Rich Voltz of Educational Leadership Solutions shared a timeline concerning the hiring process. A slate of candidates will be reviewed by the Board in closed session at their September 27 meeting. Actual interviews will be conducted October 8-9, with the final two to three candidates to be considered the following week. Conceivably, the Board could vote at their October 25 meeting on the next superintendent.

No items were voted on at Monday's meeting, but Klosterman asked Board members to consider how the district should proceed as to participation in extra-curricular events. She said all Apollo Conference schools are masking up, but said Doan had asked for input as to what to do if a non-conference opponent doesn't require masks. The response was to offer to host such events, which would mean masks would be required, or to look for another opponent that does require masks. Again, no votes on the issue were taken at Monday's meeting.