{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"DEC Signal","title":"Welcome Back: Dr. Witherspoon's Optimistic Outlook, FY26 Financial Review, Superintendent Search Underway","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":346,"description":"A new school year begins — and District 65 has an interim leader who is choosing optimism. DEC President Kelly Post has heard Dr. Eric Witherspoon speak four times since July 1st, and the tone has been consistent: uplifting, grounded, and genuinely respectful of the educators, administrators, and community who make this district work. Monday night, Dr. Witherspoon told the board that the work done before him is good work — and his job is to build a comprehensive plan that finally addresses the structural deficit at its root. He's clear-eyed about the challenges and clear that this community is going to solve them. Also Monday: new CFO Eric Miller presented the FY26 year-end financial review — a $3.4 million operating deficit, 95 days cash on hand, and a $900,000 transportation savings already realized for FY27. The tentative FY27 budget comes August 31st. And the board heard presentations from three superintendent search firms — Alma Advisory Group, HYA, and IASB. A search firm will be selected at a special board meeting on August 17th. Community engagement — including educator voice — will be central to the search. DEC Signal will keep you informed as that process develops.\nDEC Signal is produced by the District 65 Educators' Council in partnership with The Signal Lab.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/4dpw7RBHzCZV9m8bRgQqk1hRg6JTvaH5e2fWUWq3p1A/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS85MjBk/MDkwODk5NmY1YzRm/YzgyODY2MzQ1ODNl/N2JjYS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}