District 87 to Begin Superintendent Search Next Month

The Glenbard District 87 School Board will launch a search to replace the district superintendent at its September meeting.

On Monday Superintendent Michael Meissen informed the board he would not seek an extension on his contract, which expires in June 2012. School board members reviewed and accepted Meissen’s plan to finish out the remainder of his contract during Monday's school board meeting. 

“We wished him well. He’s done a tremendous job within the district,” said School Board President Richard Heim.

Meissen began his tenure with District 87 in 2006. His three-year contract was extended for another three years in 2008. In 2010 the school board extended Meissen’s contract for one year. Meissen's salary is $215,664.

Meissen did not present a reason for his decision Monday night, Heim said. He added there is no animosity between the board and Meissen.

“He’s done a tremendous job. He’s achieved recognition for the schools, brought about fiscal… financial profitability for the district,” Heim said.

During Meissen’s tenure the district participated in several , which netted the school district $1.16 million in savings. This was a quick turnaround from the financial straits the district was in just a few years prior when it was running a double-digit deficit. During this time credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s upgraded the districts rating to AA+, indicating the district’s economic outlook is stable. 

Earlier this year Meissen was named at a Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Meissen was singled out for his efforts to increase enrollment in advanced placement courses.

In addition to tackling financial issues, Meissen’s administration installed artificial turf on two school fields to increase usage. Increasing the options for field usage has also raised opposition from some Glen Ellyn residents, particularly about the installation of lights at . District 87 officials say adding lights, bleachers and completing other projects are important for student use of the Memorial Field facilities. Concerned residents say the proposed enhancements will increase traffic problems around the field, bring increased numbers of spectators and cause harm to the neighborhood and village.

Other members of the school board deferred to Heim for comment.

Heim said the board hopes to have a new superintendent identified by February. He said the early date will allow the candidate to give notice to the district he or she currently works in. During the September board meeting, Heim said the school board will outline the metrics of a candidate search.

Heim said the school district will continue to focus on providing the best possible education as they search for a new superintendent. Heim said the new superintendent will be expected to continue the fiscal responsibility established under Meissen and will also have to be prepared for the ramifications of the federal educational reform program No Child Left Behind, which is controversial with many educators for what they say are unrealistic expectations for having every child, regardless of language, background or special education status, to meet grade standards.

While Meissen’s announcement may have been out of the blue for the general public, Heim said it did not come as a surprise to him or the board.

“Well, I knew about it before we put the agenda together, and this is about the time of year that someone under a contract begins to let the board know their intentions for the future,” he said.

Patch repeatedly attempted to contact Meissen to expound upon his decision. However, in an email, Peg Mannion, community relations coordinator for District 87, said Meissen had no additional comments to make regarding his contract.