Dolan Primed for Permanent Superintendent Position

Anyone who happened to attend a meeting of the back in July would have seen a much different meeting than what took place Thursday night.

Back in July, the environment was borderline hostile, as union representatives, parents, students, the board and then-superintendent Roger Halberg  would often clash on issues important to the district.

What a difference six months make.

It was in July that Halberg and then-assistant superintendent Brian Dolan stepped up to the plate as interim superintendent. Ever since then, Dolan has made strides in strengthening the relationship between the board, district staff, unions, parents and students.

On Thursday night, Dolan and his future at the district was the topic of a public hearing, called by the board, to gather public input.

The board called on the public to give input as to whether they should sign a contract with Dolan, making him the permanent superintendent. The other choice for the board would be to hire a headhunting firm that would search for the next superintendent at the average cost of about $20,000.

Several individuals took time to address the board about the merits of keeping Dolan on as superintendent.

“I believe if we can save the $15,000 to $30,000 and if Mr. Dolan is interested in the job, I think we should circumvent that (search) option that money could be put to better use in other areas,” said Theresa Loarca, a second-grade teacher at . “Mr. Dolan has put the super in superintendent. He’s a total-package administrator.”

Loarca told the board that Dolan has the skill set necessary for the superintendent’s position. She also told the board that it should be looking at someone with strong local ties.

“He’s part of our community, he has that passion and that compassion,” she said.

Ian Arnold, a SEIU field team supervisor, told the board that Dolan is not “perfect” and that he will make some mistakes, but that the mistakes will be because “he puts the kids before anything else.”

Susan Galloway told the board that she has sat on several search committees for the hiring of superintendents and that Dolan possess the traits that they have looked for in those committees when they brainstormed the ideal candidate.

“Brian is already an integral part of the community,” she said. “He has a vested interest in the Dixon district.”

Dolan knows staff members by name and also knows a little about each of them, she told the board. He also knows a “huge percentage” of the students within the district by name.

“He is good a troubleshooting different situations,” she said, adding that Dolan is highly visible throughout all of the schools within the district and has vast experience and knowledge of Dixon schools.

Dixonite Courtney Kett told the board the board that Dolan is a superintendent who cares deeply about the students and the search for another candidate would be in vain.

“We don’t have to look for him, he’s already here,” she told the board.

Dixon Teachers Association co-president Julie Felkins said that Dolan did not take advantage of a pay raise that was due to him when he took on more responsibility.

“I would much prefer to deal with the superintendent we have now,” she said. “I say it’s time to give him the raise that he’s due and give him the title change.”

The board agreed with the comments made, not a single one in favor of searching for another candidate.

“There is no question in my mind,” trustee Herb Cross said. “It’s a slam dunk, I think.”

The board voted to make its decision and possibly offer Dolan a contract at a later, yet-to-be determined meeting.