Genoa-Kingston School District 424 hires new superintendent

GENOA – Genoa-Kingston School District 424 will welcome a new superintendent for its 2017-18 school year.

The school board unanimously approved the contract of Virginia Community Unit School District 64 Superintendent Brent O’Daniell during its meeting Tuesday.

O’Daniell will replace Superintendent Joe Burgess, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

The three-year contract carries a $165,000 annual salary. O’Daniell will receive a $500 monthly car allowance, 15 sick days and 20 vacation days.

The district will pay pension contributions toward the Illinois Teachers Retirement System. The contract will not allow for cash-out options, except for unused vacation time, which is required by the state.

O’Daniell said that part of his reason to change school districts was to be closer to his two children, who are attending Aurora University next year. He added that he sent applications across Illinois, but Genoa-Kingston was the only district in the area that showed interest.

“It was also the right move professionally to move to a larger school district and have the opportunity to impact more lives,” O’Daniell said. “I’m really excited and look forward to stepping in. Superintendent Burgess has done wonderful things, and I hope to continue that.”

District 64 is composed of about 320 students, while Burgess said the five schools of District 424 have about 1,200 students.

Board President Paul Kruse said that a total of six candidates were considered to fill Burgess’ spot, but O’Daniell’s experience and general personality made him stand out.

Kruse added that O’Daniell’s inexperience in managing such a large district was considered, but Kruse and the board are confident he can make the jump as a professional.

O’Daniell has been the superintendent of District 64 for five years. Before that, he spent three years as principal of Nashville Grade School District 49 and another three years as its superintendent.

He also was a principal in Odin School District 722 and was a junior high and high school math and physical education teacher for eight years.

Burgess spent seven years as District 424’s superintendent and said he is happy to retire leaving the district in O’Daniell’s hands.