Carmel Catholic High School principal resigns

Mark Ostap has resigned as principal of Carmel Catholic High School, school officials said in a news release today.

His resignation is effective Monday, July 11, but school officials would not comment about why he is leaving the Mundelein school.

He will be replaced by Susan Crook, who has been a member of the Carmel board of directors since 2014. She takes over July 18 as interim principal for the 2016-17 school year.

Ostap was hired as Carmel's principal in 2013 to replace Lynne Strutzel, who retired. He came from Antioch Elementary District 34, where he was assistant superintendent.

Ostap oversaw the expansion of fine arts and student services and helped modernize technology in teaching at Carmel Catholic, officials said in the news release.

"Mark developed great relationships within the Carmel Catholic community and was devoted to our mission," Carmel President Brad Bonham said in the release. "We are appreciative of Mark for his service to staff, students and the Carmel Catholic community, and wish him well in his future endeavors."

Crook served on the board's program and student life committee. Before working at Carmel Catholic, she worked as a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal and basketball coach for several Catholic high schools in Illinois, Oregon and Arizona. Most recently, she worked for Adlai E. Stevenson High School for 21 years as dean of students, director of the applied arts division, director of information services and director of student services.

Crook will work closely with Bonham and an advisory committee made up of staff, parents, alumni and community members to hire a new principal, the news release stated.