3 administrators demoted at Hersey High School amid wrestling program probe

An administrative shake-up is underway at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights in the wake of an ongoing probe surrounding the school’s wrestling program.

Athletic Director Julia Barthel and two deans of students, Jennifer Korakakis and Matthew Norris, were reassigned from administrative to teaching positions under personnel actions taken by the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 school board Thursday night.

The demotions follow the dismissal last month of five wrestling coaches after an investigation uncovered concerns over student residency, recruiting practices, and in-season training activities outside of school, district officials said.

Officials on Friday declined to disclose reasons for the administrative changes.

“The district does not generally comment on individual personnel matters,” wrote Pat Mogge, the district’s director of community engagement and outreach. “Administrative reassignments are made in alignment with district needs and student interests.”

Barthel became athletic director in 2022 and previously was a girls assistant basketball coach for 25 years. She’s been replaced on an interim basis by Lisa DaRocha, who retired last year as an associate principal at Rolling Meadows High School.

Korakakis and Norris are two of three deans of students at Hersey; the school board actions Thursday didn’t affect a third dean, Rana Madi.

Two new deans will be hired before the 2026-2027 school year, Mogge said.

Meghan Mrowicki, a former star soccer and basketball player at Hersey, lent public words of support to Barthel. Currently on the University of Notre Dame soccer team, Mrowicki had her mother, Cassie, read a letter on her behalf at Thursday’s school board meeting.

“She has positively shaped the lives of countless young people, often in ways that go far beyond what is visible on the surface,” Mrowicki wrote. “The respect and trust she has earned from athletes, families and colleagues speaks volumes about her character. She has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to this community, and has poured her heart into serving Hersey students.”

Since the three administrators are being reassigned, they’ll be eligible for Education Association bargaining unit membership. Their new job roles are being finalized, Mogge said, though a personnel report attached to the school board agenda already lists Norris as a social science teacher.

Of the five wrestling coaches across varsity, junior varsity and freshman levels relieved of their duties last month, only boys varsity coach Joe Rupslauk is a teacher in the district. He is still employed as a special-education teacher, but remains on administrative leave, officials confirmed.

The school board Thursday also formally approved the appointment of Christopher Riley and Scott Anderson, who had been serving as interim head and assistant boys coaches, respectively, since the others were placed on administrative leave in December.