New assistant principal hired for North Elementary in Des Plaines

A veteran suburban educator and administrator has been named the next assistant principal at North Elementary School in Des Plaines.

The Des Plaines School District 62 board hired Donna Benhart for the soon-to-be-open post. Benhart is an assistant principal at Einstein Elementary in Schaumburg Township Elementary School District 54.

Benhart called the new job “an incredible opportunity.”

“I look forward to supporting our staff, students and families, fostering growth and helping ensure that North continues to be a place where every student can thrive,” she said in a District 62 news release.

Benhart has worked in schools for 19 years, starting as an instructional assistant. She moved on to teach language arts and lead a department and also has been an instructional coach, according to the release.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally — preparing them for success far beyond the classroom,” she said.

Benhart grew up in Itasca and is a Lake Park High School alum. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Illinois State University and a master’s degree in reading from Roosevelt University. Benhart also has a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education.

In the district’s news release, Principal Carolyn Allar said she looks forward to welcoming Benhart to North Elementary and seeing what she’ll contribute to the North community.

Benhart will start at North Elementary in July. She’ll succeed Ashley Patterson, who’s resigning.

Benhart’s base starting salary will be $97,000 a year.