Woodlands Academy Names New Head of School

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Margaret (Meg) Steele to become the next head of school, succeeding Gerald Grossman July 1, 2015.

"We feel absolutely confident that we have selected the candidate who best fits the needs of our school community," Board Chair Tom Flint said. "Meg's passion for Sacred Heart education and her philosophy that learning from loving teachers in the Sacred Heart environment will provide our young women the strength of character and intellect which are necessary for success," he added.

A Chicago resident, Steele has been with Sacred Heart Schools in Chicago since 1997. She began her career as a teacher, but soon assumed various positions of leadership, including curriculum coordinator and director of kindergarten and first grade, before becoming head of primary school in 2004.

While her work has been primarily at the elementary and middle-school levels, Steele is well versed in learning, teaching and curriculum in the broader context. Through her work with Sacred Heart Commission on Goals, as well as serving as a member of several Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) visiting committees, she has worked to evaluate school programs, including secondary schools. Steele also has served on several boards, including North Avenue Day Nursery and Children of the Heart Advisory Board.

She has a bachelor's degree in history from Yale University, a master's degree in elementary education from Lesley University/Shady Hill School in Cambridge, Mass., and has completed graduate work in school administration from DePaul University, Chicago.

Steele said she has been impressed with the Lake Forest school. "My impression after several visits to Woodlands is of a loving, happy school that prepares young women to use their gifts to make the world a better place."

The Board of Trustees had an inclusive and comprehensive nationwide search that involved many, including faculty and staff, alumnae and students.

Woodlands Academy Council of Representatives President Shalonda Jones, a senior from Waukegan, was impressed with the process. "It was powerful that all three finalists are women. The students really liked being involved since this is our school, too."

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Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women, and part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries. A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy's identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and to serve. For more information about Woodlands Academy, please visit www.woodlandsacademy.org