UPDATE: District 47 Superintendent Donn Mendoza Resigns

Crystal Lake District 47 Superintendent Donn Mendoza resigned Thursday, according to a news release issued by the district.

At a special Board of Education meeting held Thursday night, it was announced Mendoza would be leaving the school district. 

"This decision was made based on discussions between the Board and Dr. Mendoza and the future direction of the district," said School Board President Jeff Mason.

"Following those discussions, the board and Dr. Mendoza mutually agreed it would be in the best interest of District 47 to move forward with a new superintendent."

Mendoza earned about $167,220 per year. He was in the middle of a five-year contract that would have expired in June 2016.

The Board of Education approved a severance payment to Mendoza providing two-months salary, equal to $27,870, and continuation of his family health insurance through June 2014.

Dr. Kathy Hinz, currently District 47's assistant superintendent of student services and professional development, was appointed by the board to temporarily serve as acting superintendent under her current salary structure.

"The board has full confidence in the leadership team in the district, and we are grateful for Kathy's continued leadership role in her new capacity as acting superintendent," Mason said. 

School Board members are in the process of exploring options concerning hiring a new superintendent. The board will begin coordinating a search for Mendoza's replacement. 

---------------------------

Last fall, a Crystal Lake Police officer received a three-day suspension after he found Mendoza sleeping in the back seat of a Honda Pilot at 2:30 a.m. Sept. 9, on Autumn Drive. The car was parked seven houses down from Mendoza's home.