advertisement

New Warren High boss called 'thoughful, sincere'

John Ahlgrim says a diverse student body and good atmosphere are among the reasons he wanted to become superintendent at Warren Township High School District 121 in Gurnee.

Warren school board members, at a meeting Tuesday night, approved a three-year contract for Ahlgrim, who's been Zion Elementary District 6's superintendent for nearly seven years. Ahlgrim will receive a $190,000 base salary in his first year at Warren.

After he was hired, Ahlgrim cited a good atmosphere and the student body makeup as reasons he pursued the opportunity to replace retiring District 121 Superintendent Mary Perry Bates. Warren's enrollment is made up of 50 percent white students, with 26 percent Hispanic, 10 percent black and 9 percent Asian, according to the current Illinois State Board of Education report card.

"One thing that is really unique to Warren is their comprehensive nature for a high school," Ahlgrim said. "But also with their diverse student body, I really think it gives kids an opportunity to grow as people, as well as students. So, it was very intriguing to me."

Bates' plan to retire was announced after the 2014-15 academic year started. She had been assistant superintendent and was set to retire in June 2013, but that changed when she took over after former O'Plaine Road campus Principal Jeff Brierton received a $250,000 severance package and quit before he ever started as Warren's superintendent in July 2012.

About 40 candidates were in the initial wave of applicants to become District 121's next superintendent. Bates said it's a desirable job and Warren did well to land Ahlgrim.

"He's a very thoughtful, sincere person," Bates said of Ahlgrim. "He is not one to rush to judgment. He's an excellent listener. He considers everyone's point of view and really gives (it) consideration."

Ahlgrim had been Mundelein High School District 120's principal and deputy superintendent until he left for Zion in 2008. He joined Mundelein High in 1994 as a math teacher and varsity football coach, then went on to work as a dean and an assistant principal.

His other coaching duties at Mundelein High included baseball, basketball and track.

District 121 board President John Anderson said Ahlgrim's varied resume and local education ties were factors in his hiring.

"He's a Lake County guy," Anderson said. "He knows the area."

Ahlgrim, who will begin at Warren on July 1, launched his education career as a math teacher at the now-closed Holy Cross High School in River Grove. He also worked at Chicago Public Schools and at Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128.

Warren Twp. High lands new superintendent

John Ahlgrim
Mary Perry Bates
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.