By Greg Halbleib

NORMAL – Unit 5 will soon begin a search for a new superintendent.

Dr. Mark Daniel announced Monday he will step away from that role when his contract expires at the end of the current school year. Daniel is in his sixth year as Unit 5 superintendent. He cited a desire to move closer to his four daughters, son-in-law and new first grandchild, most of whom are in the Chicago area. He said he plans to seek a superintendent position closer to them.

Daniel called the decision to leave Bloomington-Normal “difficult” and wants to allow time for a thorough search for his replacement.

“I think out of respect for each other and respect for our school district and our families and our students and our greater community, it was only right to make an announcement so that this business could take place,” Daniel said during a news conference announcing his departure.

Daniel said one of his proudest achievements is improving student preparations for college.

“We’re moving in a direction that I think has impacted our entire community,” Daniel said. “Our involvement with the Chamber, COMPACT and other districts around us is truly creating a more fluid transition from 11th grade and 12th grade into their post-secondary lives.”

Daniel said in his final year with the district he will continue to work to improve its financial situation.

“We’re very proud that during the past five years we’ve always had a balanced budget, meaning that what was planned we’ve held to that budget,” Daniel said. “But we have a structural deficit which we need to find ways to eliminate. That will be our primary goal.”

The Unit 5 board is scheduled to hear from search firm School Exec Connect at its regular meeting on Wednesday to begin the process to replace Daniel.

Daniel is 58 and has been in education for 34 years.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].