What Do You Want From Our Next District 65 Superintendent?

Evanston’s a community of many voices, and every one of us deserves to be heard. 

Last week, on August 18, I fired off a very brief opinion column about why I’d never been fond of District 65’s recently-resigned superintendent, Hardy Murphy.

The comments rolled in, and some were longer than my column: To some, I hit the nail on the head; to many others, I’m seen as a racist, an adult brat, idiotic, hyperbolic, self-serving, politically incorrect, inane and silly--to quote a few responses. 

Then, on August 21, Doria Dee Johnson posted her own opinion piece, in response to mine.

More comments. More disagreement. And also -- more discussion. 

District 65’s School Board President Tracy Quattrocki, on behalf of the entire board, sent an email on August 23 to District 65 families, announcing the appointment of an interim leadership team. 

“The Board appreciates the school community's support and understanding during this important transition, and we remain committed to listening to your thoughts and concerns," she said in this e-mail. "Having formalized our decision this morning on the district's interim leadership team, we will soon turn our focus to the search for a permanent superintendent. We expect the planning to begin in September and will keep the community informed as the process unfolds.”

We’ve elected a school board to hear our voices. Let’s tell them what we want in the comments section below. For instance: 

I’d like to know, in advance, when the superintendent is eligible for contract extensions and raises and what those privileges are based upon.

I’d like a superintendent who recognizes the challenges facing teachers and administrators and listens to their needs. 

I’d like a superintendent who’s known for working well with school board members.

Someone who brings teachers and administrators together. 

Someone who creates a student advisory panel, a parent advisory panel, and a community advisory panel to gauge topics of interest and concern throughout Evanston.

What do you want? Share your opinion below.