NORMAL - Gary Niehaus' report card is in for his first year as superintendent of Unit 5 schools, and he made honor roll despite an "incomplete."

In an informal survey, educators and community leaders gave Niehaus a B-plus average overall, with a low of "incomplete" from the teachers' union and to an A-plus for his work in establishing a charter school for kids who don't fit into traditional settings.

"Clearly, he delivered," said Normal City Manager Mark Peterson, referring to Niehaus' leadership of a $96.7 million property tax referendum approved by voters last spring. The money will be used to update current schools, expand one and build others.

Niehaus joined the district last summer from Charleston after Alan Chapman retired. Unit 5 has more than 12,600 students and 20 schools spread throughout Bloomington, Normal, Carlock, Hudson and Towanda.

Niehaus believes the referendum timing was ideal, as was his timing in coming to the district. "I learned the district faster and was quicker getting to know where the schools were and (about) the issues," he said.

Jon Butler, president of Unit Five Education Association, said the union's relationship with Niehaus is a "work in progress" with issues still to be resolved. The union, which represents about 900 teachers, continues to work on a contract to replace one that expires 2009.

On the other hand, Suzanne Fitzgerald, executive director of YouthBuild McLean County, calls Niehaus a "hero" for his role in establishing the district's first charter school that will work with YouthBuild to award diplomas to nontraditional students.

'Real solutions'

Niehaus quickly adapted and "exceeded expectations," said Gail Ann Briggs, a school board member for 30 years who has worked with eight Unit 5 superintendents.

Niehaus wasn't in the district when former teacher Jon White was hired or taught here, but he's been here for the sex-abuse trials and sentencing of the former Colene Hoose Elementary teacher.

White is serving a 60-year prison term for molesting young girls in Unit 5 and Urbana, where he taught after leaving Unit 5. The district continues deal with related ongoing healing and legal issues.

"Five years from today, 10 years from today, (the healing) won't be done, because people have been hurt," Niehaus said.

The White case was among reasons Niehaus recommended the district hire consultants to study hiring and screening methods. The district since has changed its hiring and training practices; tightened screening; hired more staff for these duties; and restructured some related jobs.

Others criticized Niehaus for hiring consultants to look at everything from the best way to administer its special education programs to studying demographics as part of the district's redistricting plans.

But last week, the district re-approved a contract with Margaret Jobe, the special education consultant.

"She is one of several consultants he (Niehaus) brought in; several questioned the logic," said board member Scott Lay. But her ideas were worthwhile and "that's exactly what we want," Lay said.

"It's one of those situations where a little money goes a long way," board president Jay Reece said.

Added board member Mark Pritchett: "I'm pleased with his vision … bringing real solutions to issues in Unit 5."

More minority hires

The number of minority teachers also has increased: of 58 new teachers hired this fall, seven were minorities. That brought the total percentage of minority staff to about 15 percent, matching the percentage of minority students.

"We're pleased about that," said Mike Williams, president of the Bloomington-Normal branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. It helps when students have issues and can ask people who look like them, he said.

Williams also commended the superintendent's hands-on approach. "Niehaus didn't hesitate to take a seat at the table of the Achievement Gap Task Force and gave invaluable input," Williams said.

Niehaus himself gives the district's accomplishments a grade of A-minus to B-plus. It's not higher, he said, because Unit 5 continues to transition from a small rural district to a growing suburban/urban district.

As the future unfolds, he expects the district's growth will bring construction projects, inclusion of special education and English language learners, technology advances, and redistricting.