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MINOOKA – The Minooka Community High School Board has chosen a new superintendent to take over the two-campus district. He starts in the role July 1.
Kenneth Lee, current superintendent of Iroquois County Community Unit School District 9, was approved for the job during a meeting Thursday night. The Iroquois County district has a student population of about 1,100 and includes five schools.
“We were looking for quite a few things,” MCHS Board President Mike Brozovich said before Thursday’s meeting. “Mainly, a strong leader with really good people skills. Kenny fits that bill pretty solid.”
To find its candidate, the school board hired an executive search firm that conducted a survey of what staff, students, parents, the community and others thought were important qualities in a new superintendent.
The survey showed the most desirable quality was financial acumen. Other highly desirable qualities included approachability, ability to collaborate well, honesty, integrity and good communication skills.
Brozovich said several things stood out for the school board when considering Lee for the position, including that Lee already has plans of how he will hit the ground running in his new school district.
“Dr. Lee has created a detailed transition plan with tentative timelines that concentrate on all areas within the district. This plan will consume Dr. Lee’s first year at MCHS,” Brozovich said.
“Our candidate has a good understanding of school finance,” Interim Superintendent Jim Blanche said before Thursday’s meeting. “One of our top priorities was communication, and I think he’s top of the list for being a collaborator and a communicator with others.”
School board member Patti Ruettiger went on a site visit to Lee’s district with Brozovich and said those she spoke to had high regard for their superintendent.
Lee said he was excited to be a part of the school district that has a strong tradition of good education.
“I’m happy for the opportunity,” Lee said at Thursday’s District 111 meeting. “This district is rated one of the top five schools in the area, and their test scores reflect that.”
Lee’s base salary will be $173,800, in addition to receiving TRS benefits and medical insurance provided by the district. He also will receive $2,500 for moving expenses. Lee said he will live in the district.
The board in May 2014 approved a unilateral 90-day termination notice for the previous superintendent, Jim Colyott. Blanche was hired in July 2014 on an interim basis.