Libertyville High looks within for new principal
Libertyville High School didn't have to go far to land its new principal.
Marina Scott will shift from her job as Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128's associate superintendent to the principal post for the 2009-10 academic year. District 128's board approved Scott as principal at a meeting Monday night.
Scott's a former principal at Fremd High School in Palatine. She came to District 128 from Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211, where she worked as a teacher, dean, coach, assistant principal and principal.
While it might seem like a step down to principal from associate superintendent, Scott said, she's missed the student energy in a high school. She said her wide range of skills can be best used as a principal.
Scott, 48, said Libertyville High already has three components of a great school: student achievement, strong teachers and an involved community. Still, she plans to examine where the school exceeds and how it can improve.
"One of the things I told (the search team) is if they don't want to be pushed, don't pick me," said Scott, who joined District 128 in spring 2008.
Three finalists for the Libertyville High principal job were assessed by an interview team Feb. 17 and 18, officials said.
Scott is a 27-year educator. In addition to her duties at District 128, she's an adjunct professor at Loyola University's Chicago School of Education.
In 2007, she was lauded for her noteworthy contributions when she received the Illinois State Board of Education's "Those Who Excel" award in the administrator category.
Scott will replace Libertyville High's co-principals, Jim Whittington and Mike Stevens.
Scott earned a bachelor's degree in family and consumer science education at Illinois State University, then a master's in textiles and fashion design at Northern Illinois University.
Moreover, Scott earned a master of science degree in administration at Northern Illinois. She received a doctor of education in curriculum and instruction at Loyola.
District 128 Superintendent Prentiss Lea called Scott a "perfect fit" for Libertyville High.