D181 Business Superintendent Among Those Leaving July 1

It's been a long professional journey for District 181 assistant superintendant for business Dr. Troy Whalen, who will leave his current post for the superintendant position at Summit Elementary District 10 on July 1.

Before beginning with District 181 in 2009, Whalen served as the assistant superintendant for business in Joliet Public Schools District 86, Salt Creek School District 48, and Hazel Crest School District 152 ½. Before those positions, Whalen was the transportation and distribution manager for Wilmette Public Schools District 39 before and an elementary teacher in Wichita, Kan.

"I’m very excited," Whalen said of his new position. "It’s a great opportunity to work with the community. It’s a very positive educational environment."

Whalen is one of three District 181 administrators who will be leaving for a new position July 1. Associate superintendant Mary Ticknor and assistant superintendant for pupil services Pam Kazee  to take on assistant superintendant role similar to her current one.

Whalen said he interviewed for the Summit position in the fall. The district made him an offer in late November and he was confirmed as the new superintendant by the board on Dec. 20.

Whalen's departure from District 181, he said, will be "bittersweet."

"This community is extremely supportive of public schools and parents are very involved in their students' education," he said. "Had I not the desire to be a superintendant, I’d be happy to stay here longer."

Whalen's biggest jobs between now and July 1 are preparing the 2012-13 budget and making sure his replacement experiences a smooth transition.

District 181 will definitely get along without the three leaving administrators, the departing administrator said.

"Hinsdale is a very desirable district to work in. They’ll get very qualified candidates. Things will move on."