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Goers retiring after 15 years as New Trier superintendent
New Trier High School Superintendent Don Goers
Updated: March 5, 2013 7:17AM
NORTHFIELD — In 1998 Don Goers arrived at New Trier High School as assistant superintendent. Now he’s counting down the days until his retirement from the district he’s called home for the past 15 years.
Arriving at New Trier from Deerfield Public Schools District 109 Goers has been a fixture in district 203’s administration. He was immediately impressed by the quality of people at the high school.
“The staff was phenomenal here,” Goers said. “I was fortunate to work with six different superintendents. Everyone has always been looking out for the best interests of the students here.”
Goers experience was primarily in elementary school districts prior to joining district 203. A Northern Illinois University alum, Goers received his bachelor’s degree from NIU in 1977 and his master’s degree from the university in 1984.
His retirement, effective June 29, will allow him some time to relax, but Goers says he doesn’t plan to sit around too long and will enjoy one big trip with his family before figuring out his next step.
“I am taking my first two-week vacation ever,” Goers said. “I’m heading to Europe with my wife Connie and our daughter. It’s our 35th wedding anniversary and we’ve been able to do a nice trip every five years.”
Replacing Goers will be Cheryl Witham, the assistant superintendent of finance and operations at Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200.
Witham will manage all business and operational services, oversee insurance, transportation, food service, purchasing programs and will represent New Trier as chief negotiator in bargaining with employee associations.
“Hopefully she can get to know the institution and get acclimated to the staff and culture that exist here,” Goers said. “Things are in good shape and I’m confident she’ll do a great job. This is an excellent place.”
Goers sees some consulting work in his future, and he is excited to see what’s out there for him. The free time will also allow him to get some work in a different field, or fairway.
“Hopefully I can get some golf in too,” Goers said.
