Dolton Elementary District 149 has a new leader after paying former Superintendent Maureen White nearly $181,000 to end her contract one year early.
White was hired in 2022 at an annual salary of $205,000, which grew to $303,160 during the 2025-2026 school year, according to employment contracts obtained by the Daily Southtown.
Her latest contract was set to run from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027, with White expecting a 6% salary increase to $321,350 for the 2026-2027 school year.
Instead, the district and White “mutually agreed to part ways due to differences in organizational fit and future direction,” according to a retirement agreement that allowed White to leave the district June 26. The district agreed to pay White $180,730 to release her from the contract, the retirement agreement states.
“Dr. White has contributed to important progress within the district, and both parties believe this transition allows each to move forward in alignment with their respective goals,” the agreement states.
District 149 includes Caroline Sibley, Carol Moseley Braun, Creative Communications Academy, S.T.E.M. Academy and School of Fine Arts in Calumet City, New Beginnings Learning Academy in South Holland, and Berger-Vandenberg and Diekman in Dolton.
The district said in a news release July 7 that Mellodie Brown, former associate superintendent, would succeed White. The district has about 2,100 enrolled students, according to Illinois State Board of Education data.
“Dr. Brown has been an integral member of our leadership team and has worked alongside Dr. White during a year of tremendous progress,” the news release states. “Her knowledge of the district, commitment to our students and passion for educational excellence position her to continue building upon the strong foundation that has been established.”
Brown declined to be interviewed or respond to questions about White’s retirement, saying in an email to the Daily Southtown “any information the district is able to share on this matter will be provided through official communications and public records, as appropriate.”
The district also has not shared what Brown’s salary will be as superintendent. The Daily Southtown will file a Freedom of Information Act request for the information.
The District 149 news release highlighted district achievements during White’s four years as superintendent, including gutting and renovating three schools and implementing a career and technical education program for middle schoolers.
“Beyond these measurable accomplishments, Dr. White cultivated a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration and high expectations,” the news release says. “Her unwavering belief in our students and staff challenged all of us to think differently about what is possible.’
District 149 Board President Wilbur Tillman, in the news release, thanked White for her vision, work ethic and “unwavering dedication” to families, wishing her a happy retirement.
According to most recent Illinois State Board of Education data, about 24% of District 149 students are proficient in English and language arts, while 52% of students are proficient statewide. About 10% of students are proficient in mathematics, compared to 38% of students across Illinois.
The Tribune found last year that superintendent salaries in Illinois often failed to reflect the district’s size, wealth or academic performance of students.
Dolton District 148’s former Superintendent Kevin Nohelty earned about $450,000, the highest salary of an Illinois public school leader, before abruptly retiring in August 2025. Nohelty said he chose to retire after board President Shalonda Randle declined his offer to buy out his contract.
The District 149 Board is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at 292 Torrence Ave., Calumet City.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
