Changes in Round School Lake District 116 administration

Round Lake Area Unit District 116 is welcoming two new faces to oversee high school athletics and one middle school, and the administration also has a new look.

Chief Financial Officer James Tenbusch steps in for retiring Janet Elenbogen as chief education officer, Michael Mizwicki replaces Spencer Byrd as Round Lake High School's athletic director and assistant principal, and Sharon Giless takes over for Brian Minarcik as principal of Round Lake Middle School.

Elenbogen received a certificate of appreciation this week for her six-year tenure as CEO. Chief Executive Officer Ben Martindale praised her for playing a strong role in the district's academic improvement and recent financial turnaround.

"When we consider what the district used to be like and what it is now, it becomes clear that Dr. Elenbogen did an outstanding job," he said. "It is going to be hard to replace the qualities she brought to our district."

Martindale said Tenbusch's past experience as a superintendent in several Illinois school districts made his promotion a logical choice.

"Because of his extensive experience as a superintendent, (Tenbusch) is a natural fit for this opportunity," he said.

The search for a new CFO is expected to conclude later this summer.

Mizwicki, formerly a baseball coach at Grant High School in Fox Lake, will lead Round Lake High School's athletic program and assist in staff evaluation.

"Michael brings us a real enthusiasm for improving and taking the athletic department to the next level of performance," Martindale said. "We think his knowledge of sports and athletic energy can help us to carry the ball forward."

Giless was formerly the principal of Chesebro Elementary in DeKalb. She has previously interviewed with District 116 for a bilingual teaching position.

"Sharon is fluent in Spanish and brings a strong knowledge of curriculum-building in schools with a high non-English-speaking population," Martindale said. "She brings a level of maturity and leadership that we hope will improve student achievement and performance."

Byrd will become the assistant principal and athletic director at Belvidere North High School near Rockford.