Lincoln Prairie gets new principal

Community Unit District 300 has hired a veteran district teacher to lead Lincoln Prairie Elementary School in Lake in the Hills next year.

Trent Halpin, who has taught second-graders at the school since it opened six years ago, will take over this summer from Denise Finch.

Finch announced earlier this year she would be resigning for personal reasons after only one year.

Finch did not return calls seeking comment.

Halpin said he was humbled to be chosen as Lincoln Prairie's fourth principal.

"I felt like it was a big compliment," Hapin said. "Because we've had so many administrators in the past six years, I think the staff was looking for some consistency."

Despite the turnover, the school's leadership and staff have been able to turn Lincoln Prairie into one of the district's high-performing schools. Lincoln Prairie's students score well above state and district averages on standardized tests.

Halpin said he hopes to build on Lincoln Prairie's successes by creating more partnerships with parents, expanding community service opportunities and seeking more input from teachers.

"The teachers are willing to take on new initiatives," he said. "They want to do it the right way and the best way."

Halpin said his familiarity with students, staff and parents will help him transition into his new role.

"Part of the challenge is getting to know the building … and that's where I feel I have a head start," he said.

Before he came to Lincoln Prairie, Halpin taught seven years at Neubert Elementary School in Algonquin.

Halpin will start as principal on July 1, earning a starting salary of $85, 931.