Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for January 24, 2007 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

From the Southern Illinoisan...

Daum leaves superintendent post

BY KRISTEN CATES, THE SOUTHERN

CARBONDALE - After serving seven months of his three-year contract, Carbondale elementary school district's superintendent has notified the school board of his intentions to leave.

"I am unfortunately going to be leaving the district," said Superintendent David Daum.

Daum has been hired to head the Wesclin Community School District in Clinton County.

He said the move is unfortunate because he is moving closer to his elderly father whose health is declining, but he was fortunate to find another quality school district to work for.

"Carbondale Elementary School District has been a good place," he said. "I had planned to be here longer, but I've got to take care of my family first."

Nancy Stemper, president of the school board, said she was a bit surprised by Daum's decision to leave, but it is an understandable one.

While she did say Daum was tied to a three-year contract with the district "it's not at all an unheard-of thing" to break one.

"As far as I'm concerned he's leaving the district on good terms," she said.

John Williams, assistant superintendent, said Daum's salary was set at $128,848 for his first year with increases to be based on performance reviews. He also receives a benefits package typical of other superintendents such as retirement, a monthly mileage reimbursement of $250, and health insurance.

Paula Smith Feigenbaum, another school board member, said Daum was upfront with the board about his father's health and she said he's the only one in a position to help his father.

"I'm sorry to see him go, but you have to understand family is number one," she said. "Everything is great with us right now. I just hope we can find a qualified candidate."

Daum will replace Paul Tockstein, who is retiring as Wesclin superintendent July 1, after spending 33 years in education.

Wesclin School District, a kindergarten through high school district, comprises the communities of New Baden, Trenton and New Memphis, Tockstein said. There are roughly 1,400 students in the district.

Daum was hired a year ago to replace Elizabeth Lewin, who retired as superintendent of Carbondale elementary schools in 2005.