Retiring Cass School District 63 Superintendent Mark Cross earned $243,713 during the 2025-26 school year, the highest compensation in the Darien-based district.

Cross's pay was 46 percent more than the next highest-paid employee on the district's recently released compensation list, Patch reported Monday, Oct. 19. The figures include retirement enhancements.

The highest-paid teacher, Pamela Worth, ranked fourth on the list at $127,412.

Cross retired at the end of the 2025-26 school year after six years leading the district. Board President Lana Johnson recognized him at a board meeting, noting his 34-year career in education, including 23 years as a superintendent, according to district board briefs. He earlier served as a principal and special education teacher.

His replacement, Travis McGuire, started July 1 at a salary of $230,000. That is roughly $13,700 less than Cross's final-year compensation, though Cross's total included retirement enhancements. McGuire previously served as an assistant superintendent in Downers Grove High School District 99, where he earned $207,000, Patch reported in December 2025. The superintendent search drew nearly 70 applicants.

When the district announced McGuire's hiring, he said his priority would be listening to students, staff, families and the community before setting a direction.

Cass District 63 operates two schools and enrolled 758 students as of Sept. 15, according to district records. That is eight fewer than the prior year.

The salary disclosure comes as the district manages a planned budget deficit. The board approved a fiscal year 2027 budget with a projected shortfall of $887,391, excluding capital project funds. McGuire told the board the deficit follows a surplus year, and estimated ending reserves stand at $9,868,345.

The board also awarded a $1,175,000 contract to Reed Construction for summer renovation work, including flooring, ceiling and lighting upgrades in 13 classrooms and the library, plus a new STEM lab at Concord and stage replacement at Cass Junior High School.

McGuire holds a doctorate from Western Illinois University and spent a decade as superintendent of Hinckley-Big Rock District 429, a similarly sized district in DeKalb County with 720 students.