The School District 308 Board of Education has approved Laura Pastirik-Bankowski as the new principal of Oswego East High School, and Julie Lam as the school's new assistant principal of curriculum and instruction.

Pastirik-Bankowski was appointed by the board after the recent resignation of Scott Savage, who was first appointed to the position in 2015. She first came to the district in 2014, and has served as the assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Oswego East.

Pastirik-Bankowski has a bachelor of arts degree in secondary education, along with a major in history and minor in social science from Western Michigan University, and a master’s degree in educational administration from Central Michigan University. She received her Education Specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Capella University.

"Three years ago, I had the privilege of beginning my journey at Oswego East as the assistant principal of curriculum and instruction. Very quickly, I fell in love with the staff, parents, students and community as they welcomed me and and made me feel like I had come home," Pastirik-Bankowski said. "East is an incredible place to work, and I look forward to coming here every day. I am honored for this opportunity to serve as the principal of Oswego East High School and to continue to embody the East motto of Excellence, Academics, Spirit and Tradition."

Superintendent Dr. John Sparlin praised Pastirik-Bankowski, saying, "Laura's focus on advancing student learning, along with her commitment to the Oswego East community, will ensure a smooth transition."

Pastirik-Bankowski will be the sixth principal in seven years for OEHS.

Julie Lam, the newly appointed assistant principal of curriculum and instruction, has served as the district's assistant director of secondary education since 2014.

Lam received her bachelor's degree with honors in Biology and Secondary Education from Loyola University in Chicago. She earned her master's degree in general biology from the University of Arizona in Tuscon. Lam has a general administrative K-12 endorsement from Lewis University in Romeoville, and is currently a doctoral candidate at Northern Illinois University, where she is focusing on educational leadership. Lam also speaks three Chinese dialects: Teochew, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Dr. Lisa Smith, executive director of teaching and learning, said of Lam, "Her strategic thinking skills and collaborative style will continue to be assets to SD308 as we continue our work in advancing student learning opportunities."

"I am excited to serve as OEHS' next assistant principal of curriculum and instruction. I have worked very closely with Laura [Pastirik-Bankowski] and many Oswego East staff members over the past three years while serving as SD308's assistant director of secondary education. I am looking forward to providing Oswego East with a smooth transition in leadership in preparation for the new school year," Lam said.