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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE WORK AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF SUPERINTENDENT ERIC WITHERSPOON
WHEREAS, Eric Witherspoon, superintendent of Evanston Township High School District 202 since July 2006, will retire at the end of the 2021-22 school year; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong educator, Witherspoon has served as a school superintendent for more than 30 years. He began his career as a high school English teacher and was previously a director of a high school gifted education program, assistant principal, acting principal, and assistant superintendent. Prior to coming to Evanston, he was a school superintendent in Iowa and Indiana. He was named Iowa Superintendent of the Year in 2001-02. During his tenure at ETHS, Witherspoon received several contract extensions from the Board of Education; and
WHEREAS, equity and anti-racism were the hallmarks and foundation of his superintendency. Witherspoon led the de-tracking and restructuring of the freshman experience and the acclaimed earned honors model that increased rigor and expectations for all ETHS students. Academic performance increased and enrollment in Advanced Placement courses grew, particularly among students of color. Over the years, the earned honors model, which benefits all students, has been expanded to most courses throughout the school; and
WHEREAS, as part of his push for equity in education, Witherspoon worked alongside ETHS staff and board members to develop and implement the district's equity initiatives. Professional development and training for staff were developed through an equity lens to facilitate conversations about race and identity while re-examining policies, procedures, and practices; and
WHEREAS, ETHS saw an increase in academic achievement and graduation rates under Witherspoon's leadership. During his tenure, ACT results at ETHS reached the highest in the history of ETHS for nine consecutive years. With a focus on career and college readiness, opportunities for students have expand...
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