Teacher returns as new Fremd principal

When Lisa Small takes over as principal at Fremd High School next year, she won't have a hard time finding her way around.

A former assistant principal at the Palatine school, Small was named this week as a replacement for Marina Scott, who's leaving for an assistant superintendent job in Lake County.

"I am extremely excited about getting back into the school," Small said.

After four years as Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211's director of instructional improvement, Small is looking forward to again be working with the students on a daily basis.

"I got into teaching because of the kids and I need to get back to that," she said.

Small began her career teaching biology at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, then joined District 211 in 1992 as a science and math teacher at Hoffman Estates High School.

She was promoted to assistant principal at Hoffman Estates High in 2000 and two years later became an assistant principal at Fremd.

School board President Bob LeFevre said Small was a fantastic choice.

"We are thrilled. She has a great history in the district," he said, adding students should find Small likable.

"It is a very positive image that she projects," he said.

Small hopes to help students find what'll make high school a positive experience for them.

"I want them to say, 'I love this,' about high school," she said.

Small earned her bachelor's degree in biology education from Ohio State University and her master's in curriculum and instruction from Northern Illinois University. She has an advanced studies certificate in educational leadership administration and supervision from National-Louis University and got her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Loyola University in 2005.

Scott leaves Fremd after five years as principal, and 26 years in District 211, to become assistant superintendent at Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128.

More about new Fremd Principal Lisa Small

• Favorite book: "Harry Potter." "It's a great opportunity for sharing reading with all ages."

• Favorite movie that takes place in a high school: "Stand and Deliver."

• Favorite class in high school: Biology.

• Favorite lunchroom food: Taco salad. "The shells are handmade in our schools."

• Favorite high school co-curricular activity: Volleyball.

• When in high school, did you ever imagine you would in day be a principal? "I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but my limited perspective in high school on principals was that you met them when you were in trouble."