SD308 approves three new principals during special meeting

The SD308 Board of Education named two current district staff members as principals and hired a third principal from outside the district during a special school board meeting Monday, June 25.

Old Post Elementary School Assistant Principal Samantha Sinovich will replace Dr. Lindsay Allen as principal of Southbury Elementary School in Oswego, after Allen was promoted to the position of Director of Elementary Education for the district. For the 2018-19 contract year, Sinovich will earn a base salary of $82,000.

Sinovich has been with the district since 2014 as the assistant principal at Old Post Elementary School. She began her teaching career 11 years ago as a first grade teacher in Palos Heights. She has previously worked as a classroom teacher, reading specialist and teacher evaluator.

"Samantha is a dedicated and student-focused leader from within our district, and her expertise with technology and social-emotional learning initiatives make her a great fit for Southbury Elementary School," Allen said.

Sinovich earned her bachelors of science in elementary education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; masters of education in Reading K-12 and masters of education in school improvement leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. Sinovich is also endorsed in gifted education and special education.

Lakewood Creek Elementary School Assistant Principal Barb Garrison will take over as principal of Brokaw Early Learning Center in Oswego, after the resignation of Andrew McCree. Garrison will earn a base salary of $82,000 for the 2018-19 school year.

Garrison has been with the district since 2000, having held the following positions: Early Bird program assistant at Long Beach Elementary School in Boulder Hill, first grade teacher at The Wheatlands Elementary School in Aurora, assistant principal at The Wheatlands, and assistant principal at Lakewood Creek.

Garrison started her career as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher in Wood Dale.

"Barb is a passionate leader who puts students first. She is dedicated, has high expectations for learning, and is knowledgeable about instructional best practice for early childhood," Allen said.

Garrison has a bachelor's degree in elementary education, early childhood education with special education approval from Western Illinois University and a masters degree in educational administration from St. Francis University.

Outside hire Lawrence P. Piatek Jr., has been approved by the board to replace Dr. Tammie Harmon as principal of Churchill Elementary School in Oswego after Harmon was transferred to serve as principal at The Wheatlands Elementary School. During the 2018-19 school year, Piatek will earn a base salary of $91,300, pro rated for a July 9 start date.

Piatek previously served as the principal at Orenic Intermediate School in Troy School District 30c, and had held the position since 2013. Prior to that, he was an elementary school principal for five years in Lombard. He began his education/teaching career in 1995 as a middle school social studies teacher.

"Larry is a diverse educator who utilizes best practices to lead his building. He is a strong communicator who works collaboratively with students, staff, and parents to make the best decisions for his school community," Allen said.

Piatek has a bachelor's degree in history from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN; Illinois Teacher Certification from Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago; master's degree. in educational leadership from Aurora University; and a master's degree in school business administration from Northern Illinois University.

The board also approved the appointment of special education coordinators Mary E. Pearson and Sarah A. Commike. Pearson will earn a base salary of $83,000 for the 2018-19 school year, while Commike will earn a base salary of $80,000.