Round Lake High finds new principal
Juan H. Gardner has been hired to lead Round Lake High School, replacing a principal who resigned three weeks before the new academic year begins.
Round Lake Area Unit District 116 officials announced Gardner’s hiring Wednesday. Classes at the high school start Aug. 21.
Gardner comes to District 116 from John Marshall Metropolitan High School in Chicago, where he was principal for the past six years. Marshall plans to start a school-based health clinic offering student physicals and other services in September — an initiative being considered for Round Lake High.
Round Lake High’s principal job became available last week when Kurt Sinclair resigned to head Bradford High School in his hometown of Kenosha, Wis. Sinclair is a former Kenosha alderman,
Gardner said he’s “humbled and honored” to become Round Lake High’s principal.
“The rich tradition and fine work of stakeholders will continue as data will be monitored consistently to drive instruction. Goals include increasing student motivation, improving (standardized test) scores, and increasing graduation rates. Quality professional development and instructional coaching are also paramount to our success.”
Gardner has been an educator for more than 20 years. He’s been a mathematics instructor, counselor, head basketball coach, guidance director, assistant principal and principal.
In a statement, District 116 Superintendent Constance Collins said she received much positive feedback on Gardner from his former supervisors. She said he’s been described as someone of extremely high character known for keeping his cool in volatile situations.