MUNDELEIN – The Carmel Catholic High School Corporate Board and Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of principal Mark Ostap, according to a news release.

Ostap came to Carmel in 2013 from Antioch School District 34, where he served as assistant superintendent. He was hired following the retirement of long-time administrator and educator Lynne Strutzel. Ostap oversaw the expansion of fine arts and student services during his tenure, and modernized technology in teaching at Carmel Catholic.

“We are very grateful to Mark Ostap for the work that he did at Carmel Catholic. Mark developed great relationships within the Carmel Catholic community and was devoted to our mission. We are appreciative of Mark for his service to staff, students, and the Carmel Catholic community, and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Dr. Brad Bonham, president of Carmel Catholic High School, said in the news release.

Susan Crook began as interim principal on Monday, July 18. Previously, Crook served on the CCHS program and student life committee of the board, and was appointed to the board of directors in 2014. She is a former member of one of the founding orders of Carmel Catholic, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM).

“We feel confident that our school will continue to run smoothly with great progress made by staff and students under Ms. Crook’s care. Sue is a tremendous person who has been a leader in the field of education. She was an integral part of our planning process regarding our new strategic plan,” Bonham said in the news release. Crook is “looking forward to continuing the rich traditions and academic excellence for which CCHS has been recognized.”

Crook will work closely with Bonham and an advisory committee made up of staff, parents, alumni and community members to hire a new principal for the school.