It’s an exciting day for District 57!

First, all four schools will be bustling again, as we transition to our spring learning model and welcome many of our students back for full-time in-person learning. Things will look different, of course, but administrators, teachers and staff have worked hard to plan and prepare for both in-person and remote learning. We are ready! We know that families also are prepared to support this transition. With everyone’s cooperation, we’re sure it will be a good week.

Second, I am happy to announce that Westbrook principal Dr. Kristin Vonder Haar will be District 57’s new assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, replacing Dr. Mary Gorr. As you know, Mary will become superintendent when I retire on July 1. Mary and I agree that Kristin is the best candidate and a perfect fit for this important position. She has been a wonderful principal at Westbrook for the past two years, and assistant principal before that, and we’re thankful for her leadership there. Kristin also served as our Extended School Year principal for two years. Before joining District 57, she was an advanced learning facilitator in Arlington Heights School District 25, where she led many educational and staff development initiatives. In addition, she has middle school experience, having started her career as a sixth-grade math, science and 21^st Century skills teacher in Deerfield.

Vonder Haar received her bachelor’s, two master’s and a doctorate from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She also has a master’s from Northwestern University. At Westbrook, she has worked to improve student achievement, has been a valued coach and mentor to staff, and has engaged families and fostered a collaborative school community. She is also loved by the students. We know that many families will miss her, but we’re sure you can agree that she is extremely qualified to lead teaching and learning for all of our schools. We are committed to finding an excellent replacement, and we will incorporate Westbrook staff and parent feedback into the search process. We will be posting the principal position after the School Board approves Kristin’s contract this Thursday.

I also want to announce that Roberta Flack, Westbrook school secretary, will become secretary to the superintendent, replacing Virginia Webster. Virginia is also retiring this summer, after serving the District for 16 years. Virginia has been an asset to our school community and to me personally. She is the consummate professional, incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help. Please join me in thanking Virginia for her years of dedicated service. We also welcome Roberta, who is well respected at Westbrook and throughout the District and will surely do a great job in her new role.

Mary and I have made these hiring decisions collaboratively as we prepare for the superintendent transition in a few months. I know that Mary is pleased with the District’s top-notch administrative team and looks forward to further partnering with these leaders in her new role. Until then, we have a lot to do as our spring learning model gets underway. We thank everyone who has played a role in getting us to this point!