Palatine High aquatic facility dedicated to former principal, superintendent Nancy Robb
Former Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 superintendent Nancy Robb was honored Thursday for her dozen years as principal of the now 150-year-old Palatine High School, and the role she played in improving all the district’s swimming facilities.
Palatine’s upgraded natatorium was officially named the Nancy N. Robb Natatorium during an afternoon ceremony attended by the facility’s namesake.
Based on Robb’s recommendation just before her retirement, the board of education in May 2014 approved a swimming pool expansion concept that would ultimately lead to the renovation of all five high schools’ aquatic facilities.
The project included the addition of lighting and seating areas to create full natatoriums. Each pool was deepened to meet the standards for Illinois High School Association competition and state finals.
The work began in the summer of 2014 at Conant High School and ended in 2017 with the completion of those at Hoffman Estates and Palatine high schools.
Just before his own retirement, former superintendent Dan Cates recommended in March 2020 the renaming of the Palatine natatorium to honor Robb’s contributions. But the COVID-19 pandemic almost immediately took priority for the district.
But Robb was on hand as the deferred action was taken Thursday.
“I am honored to receive this recognition today,” she said. “It is a credit to the outstanding Palatine High School staff and district administrators. Together, we worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for our students to succeed and reach their potential, and that effort continues. To our alumni, thank you for making this journey one I will always remember.”
The retired superintendent ultimately spent 34 of her 39 years in education working for District 211.
Palatine High School Principal Tony Medina greeted Robb’s return to the campus she’d once led herself.
“She was, and remains, a steadfast champion for students, with a continued goal of ensuring they have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed,” he said.
New District 211 Superintendent Judith Campbell also celebrated the dedication as a sign of her predecessor’s ongoing influence.
“This natatorium, now bearing Dr. Robb’s name, will serve as a daily reminder that great leaders leave a lasting legacy — one that makes waves far beyond their time,” Campbell said.