Addison School District 4’s next superintendent believes communication is the most important part of the educational process.

Continuing a strong line of communication between parents, teachers and students is one of John Langton’s  top goals when he takes over the position.

“Collaboration is so important in education today,” Langton said. “We need to make sure the entire community is working together, and the lines of communication remain strong.”

The district last month announced current superintendent Don Hendricks will step down at the end of the upcoming 2008-09 school year and be replaced by Langton. He will assume the duty July 1, 2009, officials said.

Hendricks has been chief at District 4 since 2004 and will retire after 28 years as a school superintendent in three different districts. He will leave District 4 after completing a five-year contract he signed in 2004, said School Board President Dave Williams.

 Williams said Langton is the “perfect individual” to replace Hendricks, and his knowledge of the district will be valuable to the educational process.

“His overall knowledge of the district makes him an excellent fit to take over the superintendent reins, and we are looking forward to a long, rewarding relationship,” Williams said.

Langton has been with the district since 1997 and served as principal at Wesley Elementary and Indian Trail Junior High schools before taking on the role of assistant superintendent for administrative services, a position he has held since 2003.

In announcing the move, Williams said Hendricks has been a valuable asset to the district, and his leadership will be missed.

“Throughout his tenure, there have been numerous district office improvements implemented under his direction, “ Williams said. “The board has had a great working relationship with Don, and we will miss his insight (which is) based on his years of experience.”

Over the next 15 months, Langton said Hendricks still will run the day-to-day operations of the eight schools, and he will work in collaboration with Hendricks on things such as hiring new teachers and principals, curriculum assessment, planning needs and working to ensure a smooth transition between teachers and students.

Langton also believes in planning for the future and making sure those plans are updated to be sure students are getting the best education possible, he said.

“The educational needs of today may be far different that what will be needed 10 years from now,” he said.

The district has an enrollment of almost 4,100 students, with 57.6 percent of Hispanic decent, according to the 2007 Illinois District Report Card.
Langton believes it is important the schools reach out to all the demographic groups of the community.

“It is something that I will expect from all the teachers and principals that I will hire — that this will be one of their top priorities,” he said. “If we can do that, we will achieve great things.”