Champaign School Board Considers Keeping Acting Superintendent
During a meeting on August 7, 2023, the Champaign school board expressed a preference for maintaining Dan Casillas as the acting superintendent instead of seeking an interim replacement while searching for a full-time leader. This decision comes as the new school year approaches, starting in just two weeks.
Amy Armstrong, a board member, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re out of time. I’m not interested in any more upheaval than we’ve had.” She praised Casillas for his responsiveness and approach to the community. The board met to discuss the hiring process for a permanent superintendent following the departure of Shelia Boozer.
Board Discussions on Leadership
During the meeting, the board voted unanimously to engage JG Consulting, based in Georgetown, Texas, to assist in the search for a permanent superintendent. Tony Bruno, the board president, raised the possibility of adjusting the agreed-upon process, which initially involved appointing an interim superintendent. Currently, the board is deliberating whether to allow Casillas, who also serves as the district’s executive director of facilities and services, to continue in his role.
Four of the seven board members, including Armstrong, Fatima Ahmed, Christy Arnold, and Betsy Holder, expressed strong support for keeping Casillas in charge. Meanwhile, Justin Michael Hendrix and Grace Kang advocated for adhering to the original plan of appointing an interim leader.
Ahmed emphasized the need for stability in the district, which has recently faced significant changes, including the departure of Boozer, the hiring of three new building principals, and the release of a comprehensive audit regarding special education.
Cost Considerations and Future Steps
One of the considerations in favor of retaining Casillas is the financial implications of hiring an outside interim superintendent. Hiring someone from outside the district would likely incur a substantial cost, particularly given that many retired Illinois superintendents are limited by pension rules to working only 100 days per fiscal year. Casillas is currently compensated with a $390-a-day stipend, while interim leaders in similar districts have previously commanded rates as high as $1,200 a day.
Arnold pointed out that while JG Consulting is prepared to assist in identifying an interim leader without additional charges, the effort would be minimal. She noted that the board would likely only receive a list of retired superintendents who are now consultants.
Kang countered this argument by advocating for a more formalized selection process. “We should have a process. We should also see an application, a CV, a cover letter, a vision statement, a statement of equity and diversity. These are things that are expected in any position, in particular the leader of our district,” she stated.
The board has authorized the preparation of a contract with JG Consulting, which received positive feedback during the selection process. Seven firms responded to the district’s request for proposals, including notable names like Hazard Young Attea and the Illinois Association of School Boards.
If no special meeting is scheduled before then, the earliest the board could vote on a contract with JG Consulting is August 11, 2023. The ongoing discussions indicate a pivotal moment for the Champaign school district as it navigates leadership challenges amidst an impending school year.
