Libertyville D70 hires new dean

Veteran teacher and current District 70 substitute teacher, Lorenzo Cervantes, will be the new Dean of Students at Highland Middle School in Libertyville.

“Lorenzo is an exceptional educator with a great deal to offer the students, parents and staff of Highland Middle School,” said Supt. Dr. Guy Schumacher. “As Dean of Students, he will have an opportunity to bring a range of professional attributes to the forefront that will comfortably portray his effective skills as an educator, collaborator, creative problem solver, communicator and, above all, his ability to advocate on behalf of children. It is a pleasure to bring such a caring and competent individual to District 70.”

The new Dean of Students was hired during a Board of Education meeting Monday night. It is a new position created to help handle the student population of more than 900 children.

Cervantes, of Libertyville, was a third grade teacher in Oak Park for seven years, having been nominated for the Golden Apple Teacher of the Year in 2006. He moved out to California and taught third and sixth grade before moving back to Libertyville. He has served as a coach for boys and girls basketball, and flag football.

He has a master's degree in leadership and administration from Benedictine University in Lisle, Il., having completed a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in 1999.

"Lorenzo's experience and approach to working with students and their families makes him the perfect fit for the Dean of Students position here at Highland,” said Highland Assistant Principal Jon Hallmark, who will be promoted to principal this July when Principal Sharon Aspinall retires. "I am very excited to have Lorenzo join our team and I know our teaching staff is excited as well."