Kenowa Hills board selects next superintendent

The Kenowa Hills Board of Education voted 4-3 on Thursday to enter contract negotiations with Cherie Horner, the district’s Director of Human Resources, to serve as its next superintendent. Horner will begin her role on July 1, replacing current Superintendent Jerry Hopkins, who retires on June 30. She previously held principal and assistant principal positions at Fulton Elementary School in Chicago Public Schools and served as principal at Central Elementary in Kenowa Hills for 10 years. Horner earned her doctorate in education from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 2015, focusing on improving teaching and learning at struggling schools. During her final interview, Horner outlined a 90-day plan emphasizing transparency, trust, relationships, and student achievement. She proposed implementing a digital dashboard to track progress for staff, students, and the community, building on feedback from stakeholders. The board acknowledged the strength of all three finalists—Horner, Randy Barton (Mason Public Schools assistant superintendent), and Mitch Balingit (Collins Elementary principal)—but ultimately favored Horner’s experience and detailed plan. Board President Erin LaBotz highlighted Horner’s robust vision, noting concerns about declining student achievement data. Trustee Danielle Roberts emphasized overwhelming community support, citing 28 letters from students, educators, and parents. Some trustees, like Jeff Gustinis, expressed reservations about Horner’s familiarity with the district, fearing it might hinder progress, while others praised her leadership as exceptional. Horner’s background includes five years as principal at Fulton Elementary, where she led turnaround efforts. Her proposed priorities align with the district’s need for stability and growth, leveraging her existing relationships to accelerate progress. The decision follows a special meeting where the board deliberated the candidates’ qualifications and fit for the role.