Richmond Grade School principal hired to lead Oak Knoll Early Childhood Center in Cary

The principal of Richmond Grade School will be the new leader of Oak Knoll Early Childhood Center in Cary starting next school year, the Cary School District 26 school board decided Monday evening.

Lisa Baker has been the principal at Nippersink School District 2′s Richmond Grade School for the past four years and was assistant principal at Round Lake School District 116′s Ellis Elementary School and Early Childhood Education Center prior to that, according to a news release.

The Crystal Lake resident replaces Jenny Aherne who is retiring at the end of this school year, Cary School District 26 said. She will be working with Aherne over the next several months on a transition plan and an opportunity for Baker to meet students, staff, and parents will be set up for before the school year ends.

“I am looking forward to serving in the school I first got my start as a student teacher,” Baker said in a statement Friday.

Baker spent 14 years as a kindergarten and second-grade teacher, according to the release. Her approval by the school board came after being selected as the top candidate by the school-level search team.

Following the second round of interviews and reference checks, the superintendent’s interview team unanimously agreed that she was the best fit and most qualified candidate for the Oak Knoll position, the district said.

“The District is excited about the strong leadership and positive energy Mrs. Baker will bring to the principalship at Oak Knoll Early Childhood Center,” Superintendent Brian Coleman said in a statement.