District 65 Hosts Forums On Search For New Superintendent

District 65 is holding multiple public forums and seeking online comments on the search for a new superintendent after Hardy Murphy's abrupt resignation this August.

Murphy announced his resignation on Friday, Aug. 9, shortly before the school year began, after a 13-year career with the district. District 65 school board members appointed former assistant superintendent Barbara Hiller as Chief Administrative Officer for the 2013-14 school year. The district’s business manager and school treasurer, Mary Brown, is serving as interim superintendent in order to perform the duties required to be handled by a state-endorsed superintendent.

Board members chose Rosemont-based search firm ECRA/Hazard, Young & Attea to conduct the search, which is expected to cost at least $14,500. ECRA is seeking feedback from residents through four public forums, as well as an online survey.

The following forums are scheduled in December:

• Monday, December 2, 2013 7:00 p.m. Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster Street, Evanston
• Tuesday, December 3, 2013  7:00-8:00 p.m. JEH Education Center, 1500 McDaniel Avenue, Evanston
• Wednesday, December 4, 2013 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at King Literary and Fine Arts School, 2424 Lake Street, Evanston
• Thursday, December 5, 2013 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Chute Middle School (w/Spanish language interpreter), 1400 Oakton Street, Evanston