The hiring isn't over at Geneva schools

Pencil in another new principal on the Geneva school district's administrative lineup card.

And erase another one, as she takes a central office position.

The school board hired Margaret Pennington Monday night to take over Heartland Elementary School, 3300 Heartland Drive, Geneva. She will replace Thomas Watrobka, who is retiring. He served as principal at three Geneva elementary schools since 1985.

Pennington, who has a doctorate in educational leadership from National-Louis University, is presently principal of Prairie Crossing Charter School, a kindergarten through eighth-grade effort, in Grayslake. She has been a consultant for the Illinois State Board of Education and taught at Illinois Math and Science Academy.

More than 40 people applied for the job.

And the district now will begin looking for another principal as Kathy Pease, principal of Western Avenue Elementary School, 1500 S. Western Ave., Geneva, is becoming curriculum director for the district. She replaces Patty O'Neil. O'Neil is taking over for Jane Gazdziak, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Pease took over at Western Avenue in 2006 after the death of Robert Stachura in an ATV accident in June 2005. She was principal at Spring Brook Elementary School in Naperville. Pease has a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Northern Illinois University.

District officials say they expect to name a replacement for Pease in May.

"I have truly enjoyed getting to know all of you," wrote Pease in an letter she e-mailed to parents of Western Avenue students Monday night. "Western Avenue is a great place for children to grow and learn, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of it. Although I will not be part of each day at Western, I am glad to be able to continue to work with the students, staff and parents in my new role."

The board will also have to look for a new assistant superintendent for business. Rebecca Allard is leaving the district at the end of June to take a job with Palatine Elementary District 15.

Besides managing the district's money, Allard also oversees construction of new schools. The district is due to open a new elementary school this fall, and another next fall. It also plans to expand Geneva High School.