CRYSTAL LAKE – Students at Indian Prairie Elementary School next school year will be met by a new principal after the Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 Board recently approved a McHenry woman for the job.

The board on Monday gave unanimous approval to hire Jodie Moss to take over for Jim Kelley, who has served as principal at Indian Prairie for 22 years, District 47 spokeswoman Denise Barr said in a news release.

Moss, who will begin July 1, will be coming from East Elementary in Zion, where she has served as principal since 2008. Before that, she was an assistant principal at Leggee Elementary School in Huntley. Her career began as a first-grade teacher in North Chicago before she served as a reading teacher and reading coach in Lake Forest and Grayslake.

She will bring 21 years of experience in education to the job, Barr said.

Moss earned her bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest College, a master’s degree from National St. Louis University, and her administrative certification from Dominican University. She is a certified reading recovery teacher and has an endorsement for English as a second language.

“Jodie’s leadership skills and breadth of experience in education, both as a former teacher and administrator, will enable her to carry on the tradition of excellence at Indian Prairie,” Superintendent Kathy Hinz said in a statement.

Moss said she was looking forward to next school year, when she can meet everyone at the school.

“It is clear that Indian Prairie is a truly special place with a dedicated staff and involved families,” she said. “I am excited to join such a wonderful educational institution.”

Moss lives in McHenry with her husband and son.