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Doing Her Homework New Dist. 46 Superintendent Hits the Ground Running

Posted on: Thursday, 20 October 2005, 21:00 CDT

By Jason King Daily Herald Staff Writer

Ellen Correll is busy.

The new Grayslake Elementary District 46 superintendent is constantly on the go, getting to know the school district she now oversees.

Correll assumed the superintendent post in July, replacing former superintendent Kurt Anderson who had been with the district for six years.

She holds a masters degree in special education and last served as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Corning-Painted-Post, N.Y.

Correll said one of the goals she shares with the rest of her administrators is to be in the schools five hours a week.

"I eat lunch in a different school staff room each week. I've met with many, many staff members and meet with my administrative team once a week," she said. "I'm trying to get to as many evening events as I can, and we've started doing some focus groups in the district. There's not enough time in the day."

It's all part of her efforts to begin a positive relationship with the community and possibly quell some of the controversy surrounding Anderson's departure - a year before his contract was set to expire - as well as the district's financial situation.

Correll said all of that just proves the community is interested and concerned about making the school district the best it can be.

"There just seems to be a passion for the community and for the school district that I've never seen before," she said. "That's exciting. If you've got that, we'll make this work."

Correll said her long-term goals in the district include improving the district's financial status, update and improve its technology and improve curriculum and instruction.

And now is as good a time as any, she said, to accomplish all that.

"We're starting fresh and working with a new board," she said. "I'm very positive. I just think it's a time of healing and we need to listen to the community. I'm convinced we're all going to work together to make this an even more successful community."

Parent forums available: Grayslake North High School will host two forums for parents on topics they might have to address with their teenage children.

Suzanne Walker, director of a rehabilitation group, will provide information on recent trends with drugs and how to keep children away from them.

It will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in the school's library.

On Nov. 3, parents can learn about Internet safety at 7 p.m. in the library, led by several school officials.

For more information on either event, call (847) 986-3100.

Fall concert: Grant High School will present its fall music concert tonight in the school auditorium at Grand Avenue and Route 59 in Fox Lake.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $1 for students and $2 for adults.

Performances will feature the Marching Bulldogs, the Treble Choir, Concert Choir and the Women's Ensemble.

Highlights will include the music of composer John Williams and a favorite song of the Broadway musical "Rent."

For more information, contact the school at (847) 587-2561.

- Daily Herald staff writers Mike Riopell and Lee Filas contributed to this report.

Source: Daily Herald; Arlington Heights, Ill.

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