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In a 6-0 vote Monday evening, July 7, 2014, the LaPorte School Board chose Mark Francesconi as the new superintendent of LaPorte Community Schools.
Francesconi, who most recently served as associate superintendent of LaPorte schools, takes the helm from Interim Superintendent Michael Pettibone, who briefly served after former Interim Superintendent Rande Thorpe resigned in February just before being charged with gaming violations at casinos in two states.
After interviewing 18 candidates, the school board selected two finalists: Francesconi and Theresa Mayerik. Both have LaPorte County ties. Besides serving most recently for three years as LaPorte schools associate superintendent, Francesconi served as Michigan City High School principal for 10 years. Mayerik, a former LaPortean, has worked for School City of Hammond for 28 years.
Following two public hearings in recent weeks, the board met Monday and made its final decision. Monday’s unanimous vote was made with board member Jan Ribordy absent.
“We are pleased to have Mark Francesconi as our superintendent following a months-long search and process. As the assistant superintendent, Mark worked hard to fill the gaps in the absence of a permanent superintendent for over a year,” board President Mike Kellems said.
“Mark noted at tonight’s meeting that we are a good corporation that will become an excellent corporation. I’m confident that Mark is very capable of attaining the goals set forth by the board.”
Kellems said he was appreciative of all of the efforts put forth by the search committee as well as the support from the central office staff.
