District 54 appoints two new principals

The District 54 School Board appointed two new principals at its meeting on May 15.

Carolyn Smolinski will become the principal at the John Muir Literacy Academy in Hoffman Estates. She has been the assistant principal at Muir since 2011. Before that Carolyn was an instructional mentor and taught first and third grade at Fox Elementary School.

"I have been so fortunate over the past three years to work with an exceptional staff at Muir as assistant principal," Carolyn said. "I find myself completely honored that I will be able to continue to work with the staff and the community at Muir as a principal."

Carolyn has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University and a master's degree in educational leadership from National Louis University.

Colette Bell will become the principal of Fox Elementary School in Hanover Park. Colette is currently the assistant principal at Fairview and Stevenson elementary schools. Previously she was an instructional mentor and taught fourth through sixth grade at Nerge Elementary School.

"The Fox staff has such an outstanding reputation," Colette said. "I look forward to working with the staff and the community to continue that success."

Colette has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Illinois State University and a master's degree in education administration from Roosevelt University.

Carolyn will replace Paul Goldberg who was named assistant superintendent of district improvement on May 1. Colette will replace Cyndie Gordon at Fox. Gordon will become the principal at Campanelli Elementary School in Schaumburg.

Campanelli's current principal, Steve Kern, will be moving to Eisenhower Junior High School in Hoffman Estates. Kern is replacing Kara Prusko who is taking a position in High School District 211.

All of these appointments and changes are effective July 1, 2014.

For more information, call Smolinksi at (847) 357-6444 or Bell at (847) 357-6893.