Warren Township High School District 121 is seeking candidates to replace school board Secretary Chuck Crowley, who will step down on Feb. 28.

When he was first elected to the District 121 school board in 2005, Crowley said the district was under investigation by the Lake County state’s attorney, its bond rating had been downgraded and hiring qualified personnel was difficult.

Crowley, who is in his second term, said he has accomplished the goals he set at the time. That includes putting the district in a better financial position, retaining personnel and assembling a top-performing administrative staff whose salaries average in the middle, he said.

“Student performance is rising while administrative costs are down,” Crowley said, adding that the cost per student in District 121 is lower than other area school districts.

School Board President John Anderson, who was first elected to the board the same year as Crowley, said that his colleague came to the board with solid knowledge about how school districts work, thanks to his prior involvement in Gurnee School District 56.

“He’s been a great resource for all of us,” Anderson said. “He has always been a clear voice for integrity.”

Devoting more time to his business was among the reasons Crowley gave for resigning before his term ends in March 2013. But he also wanted to leave the position open to allow the board to find a like-minded replacement who can run next year as an incumbent.

“I think there is a chance to pick someone in the community with a matching vision,” Crowley said.

But he rejected the notion that resigning and allowing the board to choose a candidate will have undue influence because the board operates by consensus.

“It’s like a seven-legged sack race.” Crowley said. “It’s important to be able to agree at least where the finish line is.”

The deadline for candidates to apply is March 15. The school board will conduct interviews on April 3 and seat a new member on April 10.