Superintendent Schwarz resigns her ISD166 position

ISD166 Superintendent Beth Schwarz Thursday told the Cook County School Board she will not seek a renewal of her current contract, but will remain in her position until the end of the academic year. Her resignation will be effective June 30, 2016.

In an interview with WTIP, Schwarz gave several reasons for her decision. She said the recent resignation of elementary principal Gwen Carman opens up the opportunity for revisions in the administrative structure of the district. She said not having a personal stake in administrative restructuring, will help expedite the process.

Schwarz admits to being something of a lightning rod in the community and feels her future presence in the role of Superintendent may impede the adoption of an operating levy this fall. She said if the levy does not pass, the district may face a minimum of $400,000 in budget reductions, with which she and the school, board would have to begin dealing.

According to Schwarz, the district is facing some deficiencies as well as opportunities in Special Education. She intends to concentrate over the next year on district-wide oversight and restructuring of the Special Ed. program.

Grades 6-12 Principal Adam Nelson will assume the K-12 position as well as high school special education. In addition to continuing her responsibilities as superintendent, Schwarz will cover Early Childhood and Elementary Special Ed.