Adler Park principal retiring after 21 years

Referring to her workplace as home is common, and fitting, for Janet Brownlie.

After all, she has spent most of the last 21 years at Adler Park School in Libertyville.

Named principal when the smallest of District 70's five schools reopened in 1988, Brownlie has been a steady and exuberant presence as the school has grown through major expansions, and learning has shifted from textbooks to technology.

But in 2010-11, the elementary school will be without one of its biggest backers as Brownlie ends her 40-year career and opts for retirement.

She taught kindergarten and first and third grades in Wheeling Elementary District 21 before joining Libertyville District 70 as an assistant principal in 1987.

"I'm not surprised that I stayed at Adler all that time," she said Monday. "Who wants to leave? It's the feeling - there's such a camaraderie between the staff and the parents."

An active and visible administrator, she encourages and rewards the hard work of students through programs like Brownlie's Enthusiastic Adler Readers. Students who exceed expectations are occasionally treated to breakfast at a local fast food restaurant.

Brownlie also has taken time to teach little ones how to sew, scrapbook and make stationery for thank you letters, which she then taught them to write.

During her tenure, Adler Park School twice was named a U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon School. She traveled to Washington D.C.to meet with then-President Bill Clinton. She toured schools in Indiana and Minnesota as a site visitor for the U.S. Department of Education, and in 2001 was named Principal of the Year in Lake County.

"For a petite woman, she certainly is a powerhouse," said Robin Kollman, district spokeswoman.

Kollman said Brownlie is behind so many successful district programs that it is sometimes forgotten she was the one who initiated them.

Brownlie regards the Blue Ribbons as a highlight of her time at Adler, but emphasized the extensive process involved the team work of the school, community and district.

Brownlie also teaches an introduction to teaching class at the College of Lake County and mentors other principals through a state program.

"She puts her teachers and students first - she's all about the people," said Tanya Fergus, a first year principal at Fairhaven School in Diamond Lake Elementary District 76. Brownlie is Fergus' mentor.

Fergus said she admires Brownlie's energy and enthusiasm after so many years in the profession.

"I can only hope to be half the principal she is when I retire," said Fergus. "Her heart is in the right place."

In retirement, Brownlie plans to spend time with family and continue mentoring.