Assistant principal to be next Palatine High School principal

Current Palatine High School Assistant Principal Tony Medina will succeed the school's retiring Principal Gary Steiger on July 1, 2019.

Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 board members approved the appointment Thursday.

Medina began his employment in the district as a world language teacher at Fremd High School in 2006. He became department chair at Fremd in 2013, 10-month assistant principal at Palatine in 2015 and 12-month assistant principal and lead discipline administrator this year.

"Tony Medina has been a strong leader and a passionate advocate for students throughout his career in District 211," Superintendent Dan Cates said in a written statement. "We are excited for the vision, enthusiasm and determination that Mr. Medina will bring to our students, staff members and parents of the Palatine High School community."

Cates also commented on the legacy of Steiger, who has led Palatine High School since 2002.

"Gary Steiger's impact on Palatine High School and District 211 has simply been remarkable," Cates said. "Among Gary's many contributions is his preparation of the next generation of leaders, and we are grateful for the indelible impact that he has generated."