The search for the next New Trier High School superintendent is moving into a new stage with the overall goal to have a selection announced in November, according to those involved with the process.
The New Trier School Board received a presentation regarding the state of the search July 15 from three representatives of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, the search firm retained to assist with the search. The school board is seeking a replacement for Paul Sally, who announced in May he would be retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
With the job listing posted on the their website, the HYA representatives provided an overview of scheduled events over the next few months including forums and focus groups with New Trier stakeholders in late August and early September.
Students will be among the groups offering their perspective, noted HYA Associate Constance Collins.
“One of the most exciting groups to meet with are the students and to hear what they have to say,” Collins added. “Sometimes it is surprising what they share.”
HYA is also planning for sessions with parents, recent alumni, community leaders and New Trier’s feeder elementary school district superintendents, among others.
“We want to be available for everyone and let people know their feedback – regardless of what it is – is welcome,” Collins said.
Fellow HYA Associate Glenn “Max” McGee said he also expects to hear from approximately 1,500 people on a customized survey that will be sent out.
“We want to understand the perceptions, strengths and especially the priorities for the next superintendent from the community,” McGee said.
In September, HYA is scheduled to provide a leadership profile report to the school board. That will be followed with first round interviews by board members in mid-October, leading into finalist interviews roughly two weeks later.
The school board is then expected to announce the selection at the Nov. 18 board meeting with the new superintendent in place on July 1, 2025.
“We want to make your job very difficult,” HYA’s Brian Harris said. “We want to give you great people.”
On another issue, Sally noted there would be a committee established in the 2024-25 school year regarding future cell phone policy.
He said the committee will center around how cell phone usage relates to student mental health and how the school can implement a policy to help combat negative side effects.
In a corresponding memo to the school board, Sally indicated the board would receive a report in March where the policy changes could range from maintaining current policies to prohibiting cell phone use during school hours.
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“We will do the New Trier thing. We will study, we will research, we will look at the benefits and costs and where we will look at philosophically where we believe we should land,” Sally said. “Of course there will be a lot of logistics if we go to something different.”
Current policy allows students to bring cell phones to school with a series of restrictions on acceptable use, according to the New Trier Guidebook.
“I have every confidence this will done well and thoughtfully and in a way that benefits our students and our community and feels authentic,” Board President Jean Hahn said.
Daniel I. DOrfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.