Post by proschool on Jun 5, 2007 8:41:51 GMT -6
Dist. 204’s man of the hour
Supporters honor retiring superintendent
By Jill Jedlowski
jjedlowski@dailyherald.com
Posted Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Several successful proposals for school district tax increases. Controversial issues such as boundary changes. A steadily streaming crush of new students in one of the state’s fastest-growing school districts.
Howard Crouse handled all with fairness, aplomb and a touch of humor, a number of his supporters said Monday during a farewell party for the outgoing Indian Prairie District 204 superintendent. A couple of hundred people turned out to the White Sox-themed festivities (Crouse is a die-hard fan) at Waubonsie Valley High School to cap off the retiring administrator’s 25 years in the district.
Taking a quick break between hugs, photographs and a roast of sorts, Crouse said he’s emotional about his exit but eager for what the future holds.
“Nobody does this alone,” he said. “People are saying nice things about me, but they’re really talking about a whole lot of people.”
Crouse’s contract ends June 30, after which he will take a job with PMA Financial, which has an office in Warrenville. He doesn’t have an official title yet but says his duties will include working with area school districts as well as some financial planning.
West Chicago residents Paula Neltnor, center, and Sandy Riess speak with 2nd Ward Alderman Greg Kauth outside city council chambers Monday. (Bev Horne/Daily Herald)
The first order of business, however, is a trip to Alaska with his wife, Jane, for what he calls “our first long vacation in years.”
Crouse began his teaching career in 1972 as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher in Darien Elementary District 61. He came to Indian Prairie in 1981 as an elementary principal. Since 2004 he has been superintendent of the district, which is home to 29,000 students and covers parts of Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook and Plainfield.
One of his most notable accomplishments during his tenure is helping to win voter approval for several tax increases — no small feats in most any community. Most recently, he is credited as being an instrumental figure in persuading the public to sign off in spring 2006 on a $124.7 million tax increase to build Metea Valley High School.
John DeGroot, Waubonsie’s retired choir director, said Crouse came as close as anyone can to pleasing everybody.
“One of the great legacies for Howie is that he was always a compassionate deep thinker and open to new thoughts,” DeGroot said. “You know that saying ‘Keep your friends close but your enemies closer?’ Well, Howie didn’t have to worry about the second part. Howie’s only had friends.”
The man of the hour’s son, John Crouse, said he’s looking forward to his parents being able to enjoy more quality time together.
“It’s a great thing that he can put an end to a wonderful career like this, but it’s also bittersweet because this is all we’ve ever known as a family,” John Crouse said.
Mary Anne Castro, Waubonsie PTA president, said the superintendent has always been a steady hand and effective mediator.
“I can honestly say that he’s always put the kids first,” Castro said.
Stephen Daeschner, of Louisville, Ky., will succeed Crouse. He is wrapping up his role as chief of Louisville’s Jefferson County Public Schools, the largest school district in the state
