Quincy Reporter

Community Consolidated School District 181 Board of Education met Oct. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

The Regular Business meeting of the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 181, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, was called to order by Board President William Cotter at 6:01 pm on October 7, 2024, at Hinsdale Middle School, 100 S. Garfield Ave., Hinsdale, IL.

Roll Call

Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call. Board members present were: Asim Aleem, Margaret Cooper, Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, Sinead Duffy, and William Cotter. Absent: Michael Martin. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.

Pledge of Allegiance

William Cotter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Executive Session

William Cotter made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:02 p.m. to discuss personnel. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye”: Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, Asim Aleem, Margaret Cooper, Sinead Duffy, and William Cotter. ”Nay”: None. Absent: Michael Martin. The motion carried.

Call to Order

Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call at 7:01 p.m. Board members present were William Cotter, Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, Margaret Cooper, Michael Martin, and Asim Aleem. “Nay:” None. Absent: Michael Martin. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.

Informational Items

Superintendent Succession Plan

Dr. Garcia will retire on June 30, 2026, concluding an impressive 34-year education career, including eight years as the Superintendent of District 181. Under his leadership, the district has achieved remarkable success across multiple areas and has experienced unprecedented stability. Board President Cotter said it is essential to identify an outstanding leader who can continue to advance the district's legacy of educational excellence and ensure that they receive the necessary support to help them thrive.

Mr. Cotter said the Board will consider the following options:

1. Fall of 2025

2. Fall of 2024 - A transition year with a Superintendent Designate to assist in transferring the core philosophy and collaborate with Dr. Garcia to ensure a smooth transition.

3. A search firm is needed under either option.

Search Firm Presentations

Hazard Young Attea Associates

Dr. Kerry Foderaro, Dr. Karen Sullivan, and Dr. Lynn Burks of Hazard Young Attea Associates shared their presentation with the Board outlining the HYA search process, including their experience, timeline, and method for ensuring the hire of the best possible Superintendent. They also discussed the pros and cons of the two hiring options.

Illinois Association of School Boards

Dr. Carmen Ayala and Mr. Al Molby of the Illinois Association of School Boards shared their presentation with the Board outlining the IASB search process, including their experience, timeline, and method for ensuring the hire of the best possible superintendent. They also discussed the pros and cons of the two hiring options.

BWP and Associates

Dr. Mark Friedman, Dr. Laurie Heinz, Dr. Anne Noland, and Dr. Joe Porto of BWP and Associates share their presentation with the Board outlining the BWP search process, including their experience, timeline, and method for ensuring the hire of the best possible superintendent. They also discussed the pros and cons of the two hiring options.

Public Comment

No public comment.

Adjournment

William Cotter made a motion to adjourn at 9:01 p.m. Margaret Kleber seconded the motion. All in favor. The motion carried.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/hccsdil/Board.nsf/files/D9VR8V6CCEA7/$file/2024_10_07_Reg.%20Bus.%20Mtg.%20Min..pdf