S. Elgin High's new principal a teamwork fan

South Elgin High School's newly named principal aims to incorporate athletic lessons into her academic leadership role.

Melanie Meidel, a longtime coach and athletic director, Monday was named by the Elgin Area School District U-46 school board as retiring Principal Jean Bowen's replacement.

"It's overwhelming but a good overwhelming," Meidel said. "I hope I can step up to the plate, really."

Meidel, the school's assistant principal for curriculum and instruction since 2005, will assume her new role July 1.

"The transition into the new role really needs to be seamless," Meidel said. "In the coming weeks, Jean and I plan to sit down and discuss how best to do that."

Aside from serving at South Elgin, Meidel was athletic director for physical education and chairwoman for drivers education from 2003 to 2005 at Elgin High School. She also taught physical education and health at Elgin and health occupations at Streamwood High School. A Visual and Performing Arts Academy teacher at Larkin High School she worked alongside Jean Bowen from 1997 to 2002.

Describing herself as a more "physical" person than her predecessor, Meidel said "I like to build a team around me."

One of Meidel's goals is to "establish the pulse of the students -- just what will bring them into the gym and wear their colors, and will drive academic achievement, club and activity levels. It's not about the score but about the performance," she said.

Lalo Ponce, the district's assistant superintendent for administrative services, said Bowen announced her retirement to district officials at the beginning of the school year. About 60 applicants applied for the position.

The district did not necessarily plan to fill the position from within, said interim Superintendent Mary Jayne Broncato.

"We wanted the person to have a high school background, and Melanie has very ambitious standards," Broncato said.

"Because South Elgin is (a new school), she's providing the continuity and the consistency these students need right now."

Open since August 2005, South Elgin's first graduating class will coincide with Bowen's retirement.

Bowen could not be reached for comment about her retirement plans.

"I don't know what her professional plans are," Meidel said. "But I can't see her slowing down. She'd be a great resource for any district."