The Proviso Township High School District 209 is currently searching for both a superintendent as well as an interim superintendent following the approval of Bessie Karvelas leave of absence. 

Karvelas began her approved leave on Feb. 5 and will be gone through April 30. Officials did not disclose the reason for the leave, citing personnel reasons.

Despite the need to have a superintendent fill the position through the end of the year, the item was tabled during last week’s board of education meeting

During the meeting, the board discussed the hiring of an interim superintendent through Hazard Young Attea Associates, who is handling the search for a long-term superintendent. 

In the proposed amendment to the letter of agreement that the district signed Nov. 14, 2023, HYA listed the board’s “desire an interim placement for superintendent until the search is complete and a permanent superintendent employed.”

HYA proposed to provide two superintendents, Constance Collins, who had previously served as a superintendent for the Oak Park Elementary School District 97, and Kerry Foderaro, who has served as a superintendent of schools for 15 years, to serve the district until a permanent superintendent was named. 

The proposal would cost the district $1,000 per diem. 

The item was tabled by Arbdella Patterson and she, along with board member Samuel Valtierrez, asked for a special meeting to discuss the item before a vote was made.   

“I think it will save the district a lot of money and taxpayers will be happy,” Patterson said. 

Patterson said she would like to consider someone from within the district. 

The item was tabled, and the board will meet Wednesday Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Proviso Math and Science Academy cafeteria to discuss filling the interim superintendent position. 

As the district pushes forward to hire a new superintendent, forums are on their way to give the community a chance to speak and express what they hope the new superintendent will bring to the district. 

  • A virtual staff and teachers focus group will be held Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.
  • A student focus group will be held Feb. 21 at 12:30 p.m. 
  • An in-person community forum will be held Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. 
  • And finally, a virtual community forum will be held on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. 

“Invitations for those community forums will be going out shortly,” Grant said. “So definitely look for those in your emails and text.” 

Grant also said that the district’s 5Essential survey is already out and she encourages people to give their feedback. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the 5Essential Survey helps identify “five indications that lead to improved outcomes for all students.” This includes improved attendance and larger test score gain. 

The five indications that are deemed essential to “positively affect school success” are: Effective leaders, collaborative teachers, involved families, supportive environments, and ambitious instruction. 

According to ISBE, the survey window for the 2023-24 school year will run from Jan. 30 through March 29, 2024.