District 21 board approves administrative reorganization, creates deputy superintendent and chief operating officer

The Wheeling Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education on April 24 approved a district administration reorganization proposed by Superintendent Dr. Michael Connolly that eliminates two vacant cabinet roles, establishes a deputy superintendent position and a chief operating officer role and creates an executive director of human resources.

Dr. Connolly said the changes are intended to streamline reporting lines, reduce administrative layering and sharpen the district’s operational focus as the organization moves from a period of expansion to “calibration.” The board voted to approve the reorganization by roll-call vote.

Under the plan the district will collapse the assistant superintendent for finance and operations and the superintendent for support services positions, move the chief academic officer into a deputy superintendent role who would act as the superintendent’s designee when needed, and reconstitute the chief technology officer role into a chief operating officer to consolidate facilities, finance and operations oversight. Connolly said the salary‑only effect of the changes is an estimated reduction of about $287,000; additional savings in payroll taxes and benefits will increase the total savings.

As part of the reorganization the board also approved employment agreements for several senior hires announced during the meeting: Sherry Massa as director of student services; Lewis (Louis) Roberts as executive director of human resources; and an appointment for the district’s chief operating officer (internal candidate Mike Frantini was identified in discussion as the intended appointee). The board approved the appointments and associated employment agreements by recorded vote.

Superintendent and staff emphasized that implementation will require additional steps, including updating organizational charts, refining job descriptions, posting or filling director-level vacancies (including director of technology services) and carrying out professional-development and onboarding tasks. Connolly said more detailed budget analysis and charts with names will be provided after the board’s approvals.

Board members who spoke supported the emphasis on elevating academic leadership while reducing administrative redundancy. Several members asked for the updated organizational chart with names once hiring is complete; Connolly said staff would provide a revised chart and implementation timetable.

The motions to approve the reorganization and the related employment agreements passed by roll-call vote; the board recorded approvals during the meeting.