Superintendent Chad Willis is resigning from his post at Abingdon-Avon District 276.
After three years in the district Willis will become the superintendent of Indiana Creek CUSD 425 in Shabbona, Illinois near DeKalb on July 1.
A-town school board member Carol Krieder says she believes the move will mean an increase in pay for Willis in a district with about 250 fewer students than Abingdon-Avon.
Kreider admits to WGIL Willis is leaving in a time of “turmoil” but she understands his decision.
“He was physically threatened a couple of times,” Kreider says. “And I know he had worries for his children. I can’t blame him for that.”
Willis has faced a firestorm of public scrutiny for perceived lack of transparency regarding an investigation into a district data breach and school finances.
Krieder says Willis has been a “shrewd businessman” with 276’s money, evidenced by the A-town schools being in the black.
“Some of the comments that have been made at the board meetings indicate that people really don’t pay attention to what the board does,” Kreider says. “They don’t read the minutes. They don’t see the bills and the finances that are presented to the public every month.”
Kreider says the board has yet to meet on a search for the next superintendent, adding that it’s possible they will hire an interim.
She expressed hope that the next hire carry on Willis’ work establishing 21st century classrooms and smart financial decisions.
