At the April 14th School Board Meeting, the Board of Education announced that Dr. Michael Kuzniewski will be the new superintendent of Morton High School District 201. Mr. Clyde Senters has been acting as interim superintendent since Dr. Nowakowski left the district about 2 years ago. Dr. Kuzniewski has served the district since 2008 as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Grants. Prior to coming to District 201, Dr. Kuzniewski worked as an administrator for Rockford District 205. The choice marks the end of a 2 year vacancy in our district, which faces tremendous financial and academic challenges. District 201 recently announced the lay-offs of about 180 teachers due to the cutting of programs, decreasing the number of credits required for graduation and the elimination of the "Prairie State" program which required a lower student-teacher ratio for struggling students.
Dr. Kuzniewski will have his work cut out for him as our district strives to increase academic achievement and balance a budget that has routinely reported a yearly deficit, last year of about 2 million dollars. Only about 32% of Morton West students tested met state academic standards. Morton West students score an average ACT score of 18 compared to the state's average of 20.
In a press release by the district, School Board President Jeff Pesek said, "I, along with the entire Board of Education, look forward to working with Dr. Kuzniewski as we strive to provide each and every child in our charge with the best education possible."
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