District 113A Releases Details on Interim Superintendent Contract

 released further details Wednesday on newly hired Interim Superintendent Robert Madonia.

Madonia's contract during their business meeting Tuesday night. He'll serve on a part-time basis through June 30.

According to his contract, which is available on the district's website, Madonia shall not work more than 60 full days between Jan. 24 and June 30. Typically, he will work one or two days each week, and will be paid $750 for each full day of service.

Board President Mike Aurelio said Madonia was the top choice of every District 113A board member after they interviewed six candidates for the position.

"I truly appreciate the board's vote of confidence," Madonia said shortly after his appointment. "I'm looking forward to coming here and working with the school district to enhance the successful things we have done ... and to work together as a team to move the district forward in a positive direction."

Madonia retired in June 2009 as superintendent of Frankfort School District 157C, where he served for seven years. Before working in Frankfort, Madonia worked for 16 years in suburban Cook County, where he served as the Superintendent of Komarek School District 94 in North Riverside.

"We are confident that Dr. Madonia offers experience and values that are strong matches for our needs," Board Member Lisa Wright stated in a press release.

Madonia's appointment comes one month after .

Since Ricker's official departure Dec. 31, District 113A has been under the direction of Assistant Superintendent Mary Gricus and the district's administrative team.

During a special meeting Jan. 11, the board voted unanimously  through the remainder of the 2011-12 school year. Gricus will take the lead on the days the interim superintendent is not working, likely two or three days a week. 

Wright said the board agreed to pay Gricus a per diem rate of $330—the same rate she received when she took on the same role in 2005.

Because Madonia's time in the district is limited, parents and community members are encouraged to contact Gricus or school principals regarding school matters, Wright said.

District 113A board members are scheduled to begin interviewing candidates for the permanent superintendent position in February. If all goes according to plan, a new superintendent will be named in April to begin work July 1, Wright said.