On behalf of current superintendent Dr. Catherine Finger’s retirement after the 2016-2017 school year, the Board of Education begins a search for a new superintendent.

The Board of Education searches for the right candidate with specific qualities for superintendent.

“There were approximately 50 applicants for the job of D127 superintendent. A list of 12 attributes were finalized and included such characteristics as having a deep knowledge of teaching and learning and how kids learn, and the ability to build great teams and relationships,” said Board of Education President Ann Dingman.

The process in finding the right superintendent that fits the Board of Education’s criteria is a long process that has taken part from December 2015 to December 2016.

“In the beginning of November, the Board will do interviews to narrow down the selection of applicants. Then, the finalist will be chosen near the end of November,” said associate superintendent Dr. Michael Zelek.

Whomever the final superintendent will be will influence the district in their own ways, yet at the same time, build off of Dr. Finger’s accomplishments.

“There will always be change, but after an entire decade under Dr. Finger’s watch, [the district] has been recognized for not only academics, but all of the clubs and activities we have provided. I see this being a very smooth transition,” Zelek said.

During the process of looking for a new superintendent, not only is the Board of Education involved with the decision, but a variety of community members have a say in who gets to connect with the district.

“The search process has involved students, teachers, support staff, administration, coaches, parents, and local members of the business community. The superintendent interacts with all of these subgroups in our community, so the Board wanted input from a multitude of sources in order to choose the candidate that will best serve our entire community,” Dingman said.