District 70 promotes teacher to dean of students

Teacher Megan Russell is being promoted to Highland Middle School Dean of Students this fall, moving into her first administrative position with Libertyville School District 70.

Russell, who has a master's degree in school leadership from Concordia University in Chicago, joined District 70 as an art instructor four years ago. She has a bachelor's degree in art education from the University of Illinois. Before coming to District 70, Russell was an art teacher at Woodland Middle School for three years.

"Megan has always been an outstanding art teacher here at Highland," Principal Jon Hallmark. said. "She creates positive relationships with students, parents and staff. In recent years, she has taken on several leadership roles within the building, making this transition into her new role a smooth one. We are excited to have her as part of the Highland administrative team."

Russell replaced Meagan Dwyer, who had a background in special education, when she resigned to become director of special services with Wauconda Unit District 118.

Russell showed her leadership skills during her first year at Highland by creating a student art show with Cook Park Library downtown. The project was an instant success and quickly spread to neighboring Hawthorn School District 73 with the Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills.

She also brought to the school Pinwheels For Peace, where students created their own pinwheels and then displayed them on the lawn in front of the school in a national movement for peace. She has also been the team staff leader for sixth grade.

"I am very excited for this opportunity and believe this is one of the great elementary school districts in the state," Russell said. "I feel honored to continue to serve the students and community in this new capacity."

As Dean of Students, Russell will work with and support students and staff, and provide a sense of visibility with administration.

With Russell's promotion, veteran elementary art teacher Cindi Sartain will move over to Highland to teach in the fall. That, in turn, will have part-time Adler Park art teacher Kathryn Bernard, who also was working for Oak Grove District 68 in Green Oaks, take over as a full-time teacher to teach art at Copeland Manor and Rockland schools this fall.