Libertyville High principal leaving for same job at Highland Park

Libertyville High School Principal Brad Swanson is leaving the school after three years as its top administrator.

Swanson will take over as Highland Park High School's principal in the summer, he said in a letter to parents and students posted Wednesday on the school's Web site, lhswildcats.org.

A Highland Park resident, he's changing jobs in part because his children -- starting with his daughter next year -- will attend the school, officials said.

"I will enjoy the unique challenges and opportunities associated with working at my community's high school," Swanson wrote. "It will also be very special for me to work at the school my children will attend."

Swanson could not be reached Wednesday for additional comment.

Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board members learned of Swanson's decision Monday night.

"It was a shock," President Anne Landgraf said.

Board member Ellen Mauer said she and her peers on the board understand why Swanson would want to lead his hometown school, especially considering his children will be students there.

"It's not often that you get an opportunity like that," Mauer said.

Swanson replaced longtime Principal Joe Wojtena in 2005. It was Swanson's second stint at Libertyville High; his teaching career started in the English department at the former Brainerd Avenue campus.

Swanson also has worked in various capacities at Mundelein, Maine West, Naperville North, Niles North and Streamwood high schools.

Swanson will finish the current school year at Libertyville.

In his letter on the Web site, he thanked community members for their friendship and respect.

"Thank you for making my experience at Libertyville everything it could be," Swanson wrote. "I am so proud of this faculty, staff, student body, and community. I will miss you all."

Mauer praised Swanson as a "wonderful asset" to Libertyville High who built a strong foundation for his eventual successor.

Swanson isn't the only key administrator planning to leave District 128 this year. Longtime Superintendent David Clough is retiring, too.

Clough will be replaced by Associate Superintendent Prentiss Lea.

Clough said he and Lea will begin the search for Swanson's replacement immediately. The job opening will be publicized starting Friday, he said.

"We're committed to getting a great principal for LHS," Clough said. "We never settle in this district."

Clough and Lea will meet with staffers at Libertyville High today to answer questions about Swanson's pending departure.

Landgraf praised Swanson for making Libertyville High a friendly place for students, parents and staff.

"School should be a warm place where kids want to be," she said.