Manhattan School District Names New Superintendent
Aherne
The Manhattan School Board has hired Dr. Damien Aherne as its new superintendent.
Aherne has been the Principal of Oak Forest’s Fierke Education Center since July 1, 2018. His contract with the Manhattan School District will take effect on July 1, though he will be meeting with administrators and getting to know the district before then.
After the vote and announcement, Aherne offered details about his life, his plans, and his excitement about being the next superintendent.
“Years ago, I used to play music here at the Manhattan Irish Fest, and back then, I remember it being a much smaller community, 1,500 folks. I was living in the city, so driving out here to Manhattan was like, where are we going?” Aherne said of his first experiences with Manhattan.
Aherne shared that he is a Frankfort resident, though he’s originally from Ireland, joking, “If I sound a little strange, that’s why.” He and his wife, Marisa, have been married for 22 years, and they have three children.
“The focus is going to be on listening and learning,” Aherne said, also explaining that his priorities will be “student learning and supporting teachers.”
He holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of St. Francis, a Master’s Degree in Education from Governors State University, and from Roosevelt University, a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Music Education, and a Master’s Degree in Music.
His LinkedIn profile also shows that he was formerly a longtime band director and has taught as an adjunct at Governors State University and Moraine Valley Community College.
“I’m absolutely delighted and honored to be your next superintendent. Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to getting started, getting to know everybody a little bit more, and getting the work done. I think it’s going to be great!” Aherne said.
Before Aherne spoke, School Board President John Burke addressed the new superintendent and the community.
“I do want to make it sort of understood, or at least you know for the public record, not only was he the unanimous choice of the board, I believe it was fair to say he ended up being the unanimous choice of the administration and our union leadership at the school,” Burke said before congratulating Aherne.
The board, administrators, and current superintendent shared congratulatory remarks and welcomed Dr. Aherne.
Burke’s comment seemingly addressed a public comment made by Erica Aultz, who heavily criticized the board after offering a welcome to the new superintendent.
“I need this individual to understand that they may not have been the best choice for the staff, the parents, the students, and the community. You may have been chosen for the comfort of the seven people who voted for you — they are an incredibly flawed decision-making body,” Aultz said.
Aultz ended her public comment by offering gratitude to Dr. Ron Pacheco, who stepped in and has served as the superintendent following the abrupt resignation of former superintendent Russel Ragon, who is now at the center of two civil rights lawsuits brought against the District.
Pacheco welcomed the new superintendent.
“I’m a community member, so I’ll continue to see the wonderful things down the road from your leadership, taking this district to the next level,” Pacheco said. “So, thank you, and congratulations!”
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.