The Ball-Chatham School District's superintendent is leaving to take a new job. Carrie Hruby has been in the role since 2012.
Hruby will become superintendent in O'Fallon's district starting this summer. She made the announcement today in a letter to staff and parents.
She says family was the reason for the change. She wrote that her husband works in O'Fallon and drives 90 minutes each way daily. She also has stepchildren who attend school in that area.
She has worked at Ball Chatham for over a decade, serving as assistant superintendent before being promoted.
The following letter was sent out Wednesday morning:
Dear BCSD Staff and Parents:
I recently accepted a superintendent position of O’Fallon District 90 and will begin my new position on July 1, 2015. My husband, Scott, works in O’Fallon and currently drives 1.5 hours each way to work from Chatham. My step-children attend school in Edwardsville, near O’Fallon. The commute and the separation of many miles have been difficult on our family, so it was our desire to relocate to that area. O’Fallon is a community that reminds me a lot of Chatham, as they have caring and involved families and high expectations for achievement and student success.
I have enjoyed the eleven years I have called Ball-Chatham my home. My family and I have grown here and have many wonderful memories and irreplaceable friendships. I will always hold those dear to my heart. The Ball-Chatham School District has many points of pride, including our best-practices instruction and support systems, strong curriculum, and award-winning extra-curricular programs. Most importantly the staff, leaders, students and parents make this one of the most desirable districts in the state.
While it will be difficult to say goodbye to Chatham, I am very excited to make this transition for our family. I am proud of the work we’ve completed here together, despite the challenges we’ve faced. Together we have improved instruction through literacy and math initiatives, increased communication, improved and expanded schools, and significantly reduced budgeted operating expenses with minimal impact to students. There are great things to come for Ball-Chatham, and I sincerely wish the community all the best. My promise to you is that I will continue to work hard and support you during the transition of a new superintendent.
I want to thank the many people who have supported me throughout my years in the District. Your emails, phone calls, and comments of support have touched my heart and made me proud. I admire those who continue to focus on positive solutions, even in the face of very challenging times. Your dedication to students is what the District is built upon. I have grown as a leader due to the interactions I’ve had with many amazing Ball-Chatham Board members, community members, educators and staff. I will forever call you friends.
Respectfully,
Carrie Hruby
