As officials at the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District begin their search for a new leader, their recently departed former director will receive a compensation package.
Rebecca Wolf resigned from her post as library director in January after outraged residents and former staffers spent months demanding her ouster, citing what they described as a “toxic” environment that allegedly led to the departure of nearly 90 employees in the past six years.
According to separation agreement documents released under a Freedom of Information Act request, Wolf will receive a lump sum payment of about $25,000, which equates to roughly 10 weeks pay based on her annual salary of roughly $129,000.
In addition, the agreement calls for the library to pay 80% of Wolf’s health insurance premiums through January of 2021.
Aside from the financial compensation, the agreement also releases the library “from any and all claims or damages,” and includes a mutual non-disparagement clause that prohibits both Wolf and library officials from making defamatory statements of any kind about each other, including via email or social media.
In their Jan. 31 announcement of Wolf’s resignation, officials said, “the library district has seen significant improvements during Rebecca Wolf’s tenure, including the full renovation of the Winnetka branch; new youth, creative and study spaces; and innovations such as The Studio and the introduction of RFID technology and self-checkout.”
As the library closes the door on a tumultuous chapter for the North Shore organization, Library Board President J.P.Ruiz-Funes said at a recent board meeting that when it comes to selecting a search firm to recruit a new library director, it will be imperative to focus on, “the process by which they will help us vet candidates.”
“Input from the (library) trustees, the staff and the public is very important to the process,” Ruiz-Funes said.
Trustee Travis Gosselin said at a Feb. 17 meeting that officials will determine a timeline to interview prospective search firms, and will likely make a decision in March on what company to hire.
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“There were some sensitive issues identified by the (human resources) sub-committee that we need to keep in mind when we are developing a profile of what the ideal director would look like,” Gosselin said.
Northfield resident and former library trustee Lois Neustadt said Monday that she is hopeful library officials make good on their promises.
“The final decision will be made by the board, which is part of their job, but at a minimum the community needs to have the sense that they’re being heard,” Neustadt said.
Twitter: @kcullotta