The Examiner U-46 News Feed

U-46’s Johnson named interim superintendent

By Seth Hancock
  Suzanne Johnson has been named the interim superintendent in School District U-46 after a unanimous vote, 7-0, by the Board of Education at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 13.
  Late last month, Superintendent Tony Sanders announced he was appointed as the Illinois State Superintendent. The board also voted 7-0 on a resolution authorizing a resignation agreement with Sanders with his last day being Wednesday, Feb. 22.
  The interim superintendent agreement with Johnson, who has worked in U-46 for 26 years, will run from Feb. 23 through June 30 this year. Johnson has been the deputy superintendent of instruction the last five years and was previously the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning since 2013.
  “The board is committed to providing additional support for Dr. Johnson’s performance of duties as deputy superintendent of instruction,” Sue Kerr, the board’s president, read from the agreement. “Dr. Johnson’s salary and benefits will be adjusted to reflect those of the previous superintendent. The board will pay up to $5,000 in professional coaching services, and the board shall intend to inform Dr. Johnson of any decisions regarding the superintendency no later than June 1, 2023.”
  Sanders’ current contract, approved last summer despite two years remaining on the previous contract, included a salary of $269,243.
  “The Board has full confidence in Dr. Johnson and the current administrative team,” Kerr said for a district press release. “Our selection of Dr. Johnson provides us with stable and known leadership while allowing the Board the opportunity to determine next steps in the selection process it wants to follow in choosing a permanent superintendent.”
  Sanders was presented with a plaque at the meeting, and Kerr claimed: “You’ve done so much incredible good for not only the kids of this district but throughout the state with all the work you’ve done for evidence-based funding.”
  The so-called “evidence-based” funding was implemented in 2017. A look at the Illinois State Board of Education’s report card shows that since then, spending has rapidly increased while academic scores have declined both in the state and in U-46.