The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By David Grimes for The Quill
Union Superintendent Dean Irlbeck wasn't selected for the top post at West Central School District, but as a person who plans ahead, he was considering other options before that decision was made by the new school board.
Effective July 1, Irlbeck will begin as superintendent of the Midland C.U.S.D. No.7, near Chillicothe.
Midland was one of several school districts Irlbeck made application with in seeking a new position in school administration.
Irlbeck inked a four-year, $96,000 contract that included a benefits package with he described as good health and retirement options.
Prior to coming to the Union School District 12 years ago, Irlbeck worked in school administration posts in Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa and Sterling, and taught school in his home state of Texas.
During his time at Union Irlbeck has helped negotiate two 3-year collective bargaining agreements without enlisting involvement of outside negotiators, created several energy and utility cost-saving programs and guided the district from a $270,000 school budget deficit and placement on the state financial watch list to a current small positive fund balance.
Some of the most challenging issues Irlbeck said he has faced during his time in Henderson County,in addition to keeping district finances in check, have been making the call on early release school days and cancellations.
"Convenience is less a concern than safety," he said.
When power was lost at the school two weeks ago, Irlbeck said he made the decision to hold students at school for the first two hours of the day and until power was restored.
He said such calls are difficult decisions to make, but are based on whether students returned home early in the day would inflict hardship on parents who would be forced to adjust their work schedule in order to stay home with their children.
Inclement weather finds Irlbeck out checking bus routes at 4 a.m. before making decisions regarding school cancellations.
Irlbeck said he will most miss teachers, students and community members who have become like family.
Irlbeck was named Citizen of the Year in 2001 by the Illinois Association of School Social Workers, is a member of the governing board and executive committee of the West Central Illinois Special Education Cooperative and is a member of the Illinois Association of School Administrators and of the National Association of School Administrators.
The Midland School District has a slightly higher preK through 12 student population at 897, with school buildings at 3 sites, than does Union, whose student population is about 700.
Irlbeck believes his time at Midland will be well invested.
"We share common goals," he said. "It's a good match."
Union Superintendent Dean Irlbeck reminisces about his 12 years as top school district administrator as he surveys a map of the Union School District at the unit office.