Bartlett principal leaves U-46 to become superintendent

Bartlett High School Principal Kevin Skinkis has been named the new superintendent at Riverside-Brookfield High School District 208.

Skinkis, 34, was hired Thursday night and will take over in his new job on July 1. Skinkis is in his fourth year as the principal at Bartlett.

“This is a bittersweet decision,” said Skinkis, who notified his staff on Thursday. “I have been presented a great opportunity for my career, but I have to say goodbye to something that I care very deeply about in Bartlett High School.”

Under Skinkis’ tenure, Bartlett raised the composite ACT score from 20.8 to 21.3, cut discipline infractions by 21 percent, reduced out of school suspensions by 45 percent and raised average daily attendance. Several of the school’s athletic and activity teams are also now recognized on a state level.

In a news release, District 208 school board President Jim Marciniak said that Skinkis’ credentials and interviews with the board established him as the unanimous choice and the person who most closely matched the criteria the community and board sought in the district’s next superintendent.

Skinkis signed a three-year contract Thursday night. His initial salary will be $175,000 a year.

More than 50 candidates applied for the position to replace interim Superintendent David Bonnette, who will retire at the end of the school year.

U-46 spokesman Tony Sanders said District 208 has chosen a capable leader who will take the district into the future.

“We’re excited for Dr. Skinkis and his new opportunity,” Sanders said. “Certainly being a superintendent brings additional challenges for him and his career, but we know he is up to the challenge.”

Sanders said the process for selecting a new principal has not been determined.

Before moving to Elgin Area School District U-46 he was an assistant principal at Mundelein High School and before that a social studies teacher and dean at Morton East High School, the district 208 website says.