Dist. 57 does about-face: Fairview School principal will stay on, after all

The Mount Prospect Elementary District 57 school board has reappointed Fairview School Principal April Jordan, two months after deciding not to renew her contract.

In early March, school board members decided not to renew Jordan's contract for another two years. No official reason was ever given.

Jordan has been Fairview principal for two years. Many parents voiced concerns about the decision then and all four candidates who were challenging for seats on the school board questioned why District 57 was letting her go.

All four candidates were elected April 7.

The school district was considering five possible candidates to replace Jordan, and expected to have a new principal in place by July 1.

"There is no search. That has been terminated," District 57 Superintendent Bruce Brown said Monday.

District officials released a written statement acknowledging Fairview School has had a successful 2008-09 school year, getting awards from federal and state governments that recognize the excellence of its educational programs.

"We know that this affirmation of the school leadership will provide continuity of leadership for an already outstanding school," the statement read.

Jordan will continue as principal for the 2009-2010 school year. The school board is expected to finalize her reappointment at its May 21 meeting at Lincoln Middle School.