The Duneland School Board plans to hold special meetings on two consecutive weeks, March 12 and March 19, to finalize the contract for Robert McDermott, who is being promoted to superintendent.
The board revealed on Feb. 18 that McDermott, who has served as assistant superintendent since 2019, was their choice to succeed Chip Pettit.
Pettit announced on Jan. 29 that he was taking a superintendent’s position with Hinsdale Township High School District 86 in the suburban Chicago area, once his Duneland contract expires in June.
McDermott, 55, with more than 30 years’ experience, had worked with Pettit in the Crown Point Community School Corporation before coming over to Duneland to become his top assistant in 2019.
After Pettit stated he was leaving, McDermott said the school board reached out to gauge his interest. “And we both landed on it was a good fit,” McDermott said.
School Board President Brandon Kroft said the board believed that “stability and continuity matter” and that McDermott’s extensive experience and familiarity with Duneland factored in the decision.
Kroft said Monday that the two special school board meetings will happen at 5 p.m. on March 12 and March 19.
Under Indiana law, the school board is required to hold a public meeting on the proposed contract at which public comment is heard. The board is not required to disclose the candidate’s identity, but in this case, they have already made their choice known.
The contract is expected to be approved at the second public meeting on March 19.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.