Batavia Hires New High School Principal at $127,000 Salary

The new principal at Batavia High School will be a familiar face to many.

That's because the district picked JoAnne Smith, the school's current assistant principal for curriculum and instruction, to be that school's next leader.

The Batavia School Board at its Tuesday night meeting approved the appointment of Smith and a new assistant superintendent of human resources. He is Steve Pearce, a principal from Schaumburg School District 54. The positions are effective July 1, 2013.

Smith has 17 years of service in Batavia Public Schools, most recently as a Batavia High School assistant principal. Smith will replace current principal, Dr. Lisa Hichens, who will take the helm as the district’s next superintendent when Dr. Jack Barshinger retires at the end of June.

“Batavia High School is a wonderful place to work and has been my home for 17 years," Smith said in a prepared statement. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the next principal.”

Salary Figures and Comparisons

Smith’s new position will mean a change in salary. She is being hired at an annual pay of $127,000, according to pg. 10 of the Feb. 26 Batavia Board Book meeting document.

During the previous school year, Smith’s base salary as assistant principal was $98,000, according to the district’s 2011-12 Administration Compensation Report. Hichens’ base salary as principal during the same year was $139,241.

That compares to Geneva High School Pricipal Tom Rogers' salary of $139,808 as of the 2011-12 school year. Rogers has 22 years of experience. The $139,000 is 119.5% higher than the average for all Illinois Teacher Compensation and Reviews, according to FindTheData.com.

In that same school year, St. Charles East Principal Charles Kyle earned $142,454. Kyle has 15 years' experience. St. Charles North Principal Kimberly Zupec's salary is listed as $163,730, which is 157.1% higher than the average for all Illinois Teacher Compensation and Reviews. Zupec has 37 years of experience.

Batavia's Pearce is being hired at an annual salary of $130,000. His predecessor, Associate Superintendent Greg Romaneck, made $135,570 in base salary during the 2011-12 school year.

About JoAnne Smith

Throughout her service to the district, Smith has been a math teacher, a teacher on special assignment managing the implementation of PowerSchool and a successful building administrator. Smith has a reputation for having a high work ethic and being a problem-solver. In addition, she has led many professional development opportunities for building and district staff.

“Her dedication to the staff and students of BHS shone through during the selection process," Hichens said. "Her strong work ethic, problem-solving ability, and supportive nature will serve her well as Batavia High School's next leader."

Smith is currently in her first year of doctoral studies at Aurora University. She received her Master of Science degree in Mathematics from Northern Illinois University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Illinois State University. She lives in Elburn with her husband, Matt, and their three children.

About Steve Pearce

Pearce will replace Romaneck, who is retiring at the end of the current school year after seven years with the district and 33 years in education.

“I’m very excited about serving Batavia Public Schools in this capacity,” Pearce said of his appointment. “I consider it an honor to work for a school district with such a great reputation and I look forward to collaborating with the staff and the community to increase student achievement for all of the students we serve.”

While Pearce was a principal at his first school, Mead Junior High saw the highest levels of student achievement in the school’s history. It was listed among the top 50 high schools in the Chicago suburbs.

Addams Junior High saw similar results under Pearce's leadership and became the highest performing junior high school in Schaumburg School District 54 in reading and the second highest in math.

“His extensive knowledge of the Professional Learning Communities process, his ability to lead staff, and his track record of results will be assets to our district,” said Barshinger, Batavia's outgoing superintendent.

• SOURCES: Batavia Public Schools, FindTheData.com