The new superintendent of Elgin Area U-46 School District has set high goals for himself.

Jose Torres unveiled his aims for the next three months in his Listening and Learning Plan, presented to board members Monday evening.

“The president gets 180 days; this is my 90-day plan,” Torres said.
Torres has been open about his expectations from the start: raise the bar, close the gap and cultivate relationships.

He wants District U-46 to have the highest rates for college and workplace readiness in the country. He also wants the district to be recognized for efficiency and academic success for all.

“The better our schools can be, the better the market can be,” he said. “I’d like for our communities to feel prouder.”

Torres has already started his work by analyzing data in an effort to create equity across the board. Recently, Torres met with principals to enroll more students in Advanced Placement courses.

Torres has already met with 53 community groups in an effort to build partnerships and discuss their impressions of the district. Though some views of the district may be negative, Torres believes many people also recognize its strengths.

“Some will respond about (the district’s) negative image, but will say ‘but my kid had a great education here,’” he said.

Board members had few comments, but encouraged the superintendent to continue building public trust.

“So, I guess this is where we say ‘Keep doing what you are doing,’” joked board member Karen Carney.