Three principals named for U-46 schools

The changing of the guard continues at schools in Elgin Area School District U-46 with the district naming three new elementary school principals for the 2012-2013 school year.

Elementary school principals at Century Oaks and McKinley, both in Elgin, and Oakhill, in Streamwood, are retiring. Their successors all come from Chicago Public Schools.

Patricia Barrett, who is retiring after having served as principal at Oakhill Elementary for 10 years, said she will miss the close-knit community.

“Being principal was never part of my plan,” Barrett said. “I had a friend who thought principal would be the a next step for me, and on her advice I applied. It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Trisha Shrode, currently principal at Lafayette Elementary School in Chicago, will take on the role at Oakhill in the 2012-2013 school year. A news release from U-46 says Shrode’s leadership helped to drive school improvement and professional development, as well as community partnerships and grant development. Shrode has served as principal at 2008.

Shrode’s vice principal at Lafayette will join her in U-46. Juan Lira was named principal at McKinley Elementary School. Lira has served as assistant principal since 2008. His duties include conducting observations, managing student discipline and support, as well as leading the school in curriculum transitions.

Althea Hammond was named principal at Century Oaks Elementary School, replacing Kathy Marden. Hammond most recently served as principal at the Brian Piccolo Specialty School in Chicago. There, Hammond was responsible instructional coaching and observation, as well as supervision of staff.

Last week, the district announced new principals at Kenyon Woods Middle School and Larsen Middle School. Mike Demovsky will take over at Kenyon Woods from Sue Welu, who is retiring after 33 years in the district. Lorie Fuller, currently vice principal at South Elgin High School, will succeed Randy Hodges at Larsen.