From student teacher to principal: Grow rises through the ranks to become new Hersey HS leader

An educator who started her career as a student teacher at John Hersey High School at age 22 has risen through the ranks to become the Arlington Heights school’s next principal.

Patty Grow, currently the associate principal for curriculum and instruction, was named and confirmed as the school’s top administrator at the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 board meeting Thursday night. Her new, $206,885-a-year job begins July 1.

She succeeds Heath McFaul, who announced plans last month to leave Hersey after three years to become principal at Barbara B. Rose Elementary School in Barrington Area Unit District 220.

Grow started at Hersey in 2008 as a teacher and took on division head responsibilities in the English, English learner and fine arts divisions before being promoted to her current role as associate principal.

She played a key role in advancing Hersey’s school improvement plan focused on curriculum alignment, strengthening English learner programs and expanding professional learning for teachers. She’s also contributed to systems focused on freshman success, academic integrity, and college, career and life readiness, district officials said.

“Dr. Grow is a thoughtful, collaborative and student-centered leader who brings a strong instructional leadership background to this position,” said Superintendent Scott Rowe. “She leads with integrity, listens carefully and has earned the trust of students, staff and families through her commitment to innovative instruction, meaningful relationships and continuous improvement.”

Having spent the last 18 years at Hersey, Grow said she understands and values the school’s traditions, relationships and sense of community, and was honored to accept the position.

“I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside this incredible school,” she said after the school board approved her appointment Thursday. “Over those years, I have come to deeply appreciate what makes Hersey so special. It is without question the people. … Hersey’s more than a school. It is my home away from home.”

Grow holds a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instructional leadership from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Concordia University Chicago, a Master of Arts in reading from Olivet Nazarene University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English and secondary education from Northeastern Illinois University.

Her appointment is the latest administrative changeover at Hersey, where three other administrators were demoted and five coaches were dismissed on the heels of a probe into 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 in February. That followed the dismissal of five wrestling coaches in January after an internal investigation uncovered concerns over student residency, recruiting practices, and in-season training activities outside of school, district officials said.

McFaul in April announced plans to return to District 220, saying the opportunity to go back to his former unit school district and lead at the elementary level aligned with his professional goals and personal interests.