The Galesburg District 205 Board of Education will conduct the search for its next superintendent without an outside search firm — a departure from the approach used in the district’s last two superintendent searches.
Board of Education President Courtney Rodriguez confirmed the decision in response to questions from WGIL, saying the board is confident in its ability to lead the process.
“The Board of Education is doing the search ourselves,” Rodriguez said. “We feel we have the ability to do a great job with the resources we have, and the people on our board are committed to due diligence to our community and school district.”
Salary, timeline, and how to apply
The position carries a base salary minimum of $230,000. A comprehensive benefits package, including paid TRS, vacation, and leave time, along with professional dues and travel allowances, will be negotiated with the selected candidate.
Applications are due Aug. 3, 2026. The board anticipates selecting a candidate in fall 2026. The new superintendent would begin July 1, 2027.
Interested candidates must apply online at applitrack.com/galesburg205/onlineapp.
All applicants will remain confidential until the final round of interviews, the district says.
Questions may be directed to Rodriguez at crodriguez@galesburg205.org.
Community input begins April 6
Stakeholder feedback is expected to launch Monday, April 6. Rodriguez said the input will be used to build a leadership profile outlining the professional and personal characteristics the board is seeking in its next superintendent.
The district is looking for a candidate who holds or is eligible for an Illinois superintendent license. Among the qualities the board is prioritizing: empathy, integrity, honesty, transparency, accountability, effective communication, and instructional expertise.
Rodriguez offered an early picture of how the district plans to present itself to prospective candidates.
“I feel the community itself knows exactly what we have to offer to a new superintendent,” she said. “We have great facilities, a committed staff, a town with so many offerings, and are fiscally stable.”
More details after April board meeting
Rodriguez said additional details are expected following the board’s April meeting.
The search page on the district website — galesburg205.org — will serve as the primary location for updates, including important dates and developments as the search progresses.
Superintendent John Asplund announced in March that the 2026-27 school year will be his last, ending a decade leading the district. His retirement takes effect June 30, 2027.
