Macomb, IL – The Macomb School District is looking for ways to save money, but it will not do so by combining the middle school and senior high school principal positions.
The Board of Education voted Thursday night to follow the recommendation of Superintendent Fran Karanovich and make no cuts in administrative positions. The board will instead advertise statewide for a new high school principal. Dr Karanovich says it's her goal to resolve the matter by the time she retires on June 30.
A large crowd attended the meeting and a couple people spoke out against the idea of combining the positions. Parent Ladd Pircon appreciated the attempt to save money, but said it's important to have someone at each school to oversee the specific objectives of each school.
The Macomb Education Association opposed the idea of combining the positions and is satisfied with the board's decision. News Director Rich Egger spoke with MEA Co-President Linda Miller after the meeting. You can listen to that conversation by clicking on the audio button.
Added information:
*Current Macomb High School Principal Patrick Twomey is leaving the district, which led to concerns that the school board would try to combine positions.
*The Board of Education voted 7-0 to follow Dr Karanovich's recommendation, although some members have concerns. Martha Klems said it's late to be trying to hire someone for next school year. Klems wants to make sure a quality candidate is hired and said she will not settle for hiring someone just to fill the position. Larry Adams echoed that sentiment and said the district needs to be very careful in the hiring process.
*Superintendent Karnaovich said the district needs to make sure it gets a veteran high school principal who is strong in curriculum. She said the salary could reach $90,000.
*The search committee could include board members, teachers, and community members.