Chester District 139 BOE accepts Diddlebock resignation

<span>In an April 1 special meeting, the Chester District 139 Board of Education approved the resignation of Superintendent Chris Diddlebock, effective June 30.</span>

<span>The BOE had previously approved a five-year contract extension for Diddlebock, who took office in July 2011, in April 2014.</span>

<span>"I'm proud with what the teachers have been able to accomplish with different situations with the state," Diddlebock said. "We've come a long way in four years. We've got a lot of projects going through and a lot of good things happening."</span>

<span>Two of those projects are the Chester Grade School gymnasium construction and a renovation of the science labs for grades sixth through 12th. Diddlebock said once the gym is complete, the CGS band will move into the old cafeteria, while the current band room will be used as a conference center.</span>

<span>"The main change will be soundproofing and stuff like that," he said.</span>

<span>On Monday, Diddlebock gave an update on the search for a new principal at Chester High School. Current Principal Tim Keefe submitted his resignation in February, also effective June 30.</span>

<span>Diddlebock said the district has six candidates who have advanced to the interview stage of the selection process. A subcommittee of BOE members will be convened to conduct the interviews.</span>

<span>Citing confidentiality, Diddlebock did not say who the candidates are.</span>

<span>"We will break it down to a couple of finalists and have a second round of interviews," he said.</span>

<span>Asked when the district hopes to have a new principal selected, Diddlebock said the board "wants it done as soon as possible."</span>

<span>After the principal position is filled, Diddlebock said he will get interviews set up for his replacement as superintendent.</span>