The High School District 230 School Board approved three administrative hires including a principal and associate principal at Sandburg High School and an associate principal at Stagg High School.
“All three of these administrative hires come from within the school district,” said Superintendent Dr. James M. Gay. “They are great representatives of the strength of District 230’s teachers and administrators and will bring great stability to these positions.”
Baker named Sandburg High School Principal
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Deb Baker was approved as Principal for Sandburg High School. Last month, current Principal Dr. Julia Wheaton was named Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources as Liz Johnson retires following 37 years of service to the district.
“The School Board is proud to approve the hiring of Deb Baker as Principal at Sandburg High School,” said School Board President Rick Nogal. “She is a strong leader who will continue to focus on student achievement while supporting the Sandburg community. A veteran administrator who has served each of District 230’s campus, she is passionate about the success of each student.”
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“Deb returns to Sandburg High School where she has taught and served as an administrator. Her knowledge, expertise and compassion will be an incredible asset,” said Superintendent Dr. James M. Gay. “Deb is committed to collaboration and teamwork which will serve the Sandburg community well during this transition of leadership.”
It has been a pleasure to work with Deb over the past several years,” said Stagg High School Principal Eric Olsen. ”Her leadership, intelligence, wit, and work ethic will be greatly missed at the building, however, we are very excited to work with her in her new capacity as the educational leader at our sister school.”
Baker has served each of District 230’s high schools since she joined the district in 2001. She was as an English teacher and then Division Chair for English, Music and ELL at Sandburg. She has also served as Assistant Principal at Andrew High School and Associate Principal at Stagg. Before joining District 230, she taught in Chicago Public Schools and at the DeLaSalle Institute in Chicago. Prior to becoming an educator, Baker and her husband were retail business owners.
Baker holds a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in the Teaching of English, both from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Smith named Associate Principal at Sandburg High School
The School Board also approved Derrick Smith as Associate Principal of Instruction at Sandburg High School upon the retirement of Trish Gikas following 31 years of service for the Eagles.
“Derrick demonstrates exceptional knowledge, training and skills in the areas of curriculum, instruction and leadership,” said Sandburg Principal Dr. Julia Wheaton. “He consistently demonstrates with students, staff and parents a strong ethical and professional code, maintenance of high expectations for himself and others and commitment to the collaborative decision-making process.”
Smith is a graduate of Sandburg High School and has served the school since 2005 as an English teacher and Division Chair for English and Music. He also has supervised the school’s student newspaper and coached the freshman baseball team.
Smith currently is pursuing a Doctorate in Literacy, Language and Culture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He holds a Master of Education Degree in Educational Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Arts Degree in Secondary Education from St. Xavier University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Tyrrell named Associate Principal at Stagg High School
The School Board also approved Jennifer Tyrrell as Associate Principal of Instruction at Stagg High School upon the promotion of Deb Baker to Principal at Sandburg High School.
“Jen Tyrrell is a tremendous leader in our building and the staff and administration looks forward to the expansion of her leadership role as Associate Principal of Instruction,” said Stagg High School Principal Eric Olsen. “Jen's experience in literacy training, data analysis, and curriculum will be invaluable to the school and the district. Jen is an amazing leader and of her greatest strengths is her ability to form positive relationships with students and staff.”
Tyrrell is a Stagg High School graduate and has served Stagg High School students since 2005 as a Physical Education Teacher and Division Chair for Physical Education, Health and Drivers Education. In addition she has coached softball and tennis for the Chargers.
Tyrrell is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from Loyola University. She holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Lewis University, as well as a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology-Sport Management and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, both from Western Illinois University.
