Pettit named as Quincy’s next school superintendent

QUINCY — Dr. Todd Pettit will be the next superintendent of schools for the Quincy School District.

Pettit, a 1989 graduate of Quincy High School, becomes the district’s first alum to serve in that capacity when he officially takes the position on July 1.

The Quincy School Board made the announcement and approved his contract at Wednesday night’s meeting. He will be paid $175,000 next year and will receive a $5,000 raise in each of the following four years as part of his five-year contract.

Quincy School Board President Sayeed Ali said when Pettit was hired as the district’s director of music nearly three years ago, there was consideration given that he could be the district’s next superintendent.

“Absolutely there was that thought and I think that that was part of his plan too,” Ali said. “(Pettit) had even mentioned that when I was talking to him. So I think that he is someone who thinks things through and has a real detailed plan. Him getting back into the district was a good way for him to kind of be ready for this type of opportunity.”

“Through the interview process, we saw the things that we were looking for from a candidate as far as dedication to our students and and our community. We feel there’s a there’s a real good opportunity for for growth and innovation and the more that we talked to him…we felt like, yeah, he the kind of leader that we want to take us to the next level.”

Pettit, 51, is replacing Roy Webb, who is retiring June 30. In an e-mail to staff, Webb had high praise for Pettit and said the transition will begin immediately.

“(Pettit) will be invited to meetings and we will begin to pass the torch,” Webb wrote. “Dr. Pettit will take the command on 1 July. I believe he will be a better instructional leader. He will be able to coach principals and teachers better than I ever could. He will be more organized, a harder worker, and he will be able to take the district back to the top! He is prepared to lead.”

He is a 1989 graduate of Quincy Senior High School and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education with a minor in piano performance from Quincy University, Masters Degree in Education – School Administration from Indiana University and a Doctor of Education – School Leadership from Saint Louis University.

Pettit taught in Quincy for one year before going to graduate school. He taught in Indianapolis and Collinsville, then became a principal in the Collinsville School District for seven years before he returned to Quincy.

This will be the first time Pettit has served as a superintendent.

The District will not only have to fill the director of music slot, but also two other leadership roles. It was announced at the board meeting that Melanie Schrand is retiring as principal at Rooney Elementary and Lori Miles is retiring as principal at the ABC Academy.