Glenbard East principal named

Glenbard East High School will enter a new realm next year -- that of Josh Chambers.

The businessman-turned-educator is taking the helm of the Lombard high school from the departing Bob McBride, who is moving to Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville.

School board members approved Chambers' appointment effective July 1, when he'll slide over from his current job as assistant principal at Community High School in West Chicago.

Glenbard High School District 87 Superintendent Mike Meissen said Chambers is the right fit for the job.

"He clearly has a philosophical belief that all students can learn, and that success academically is the key to future success," Meissen said.

Chambers could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Glenbard East has started a number of initiatives in the past few years aimed at boosting academic success of freshmen and sophomores. Those programs gave the school a leg-up when it came time to meet with the state for talks about restructuring as one of the many institutions who failed to meet national learning standards.

Because those programs already are under way, officials said that showed the school is making great strides to change and improve.

Meissen said Chambers impressed officials with his knowledge of research about most effective and successful schools.

"He has a nice balance of focusing on accountability issues and academic results, and (places) a priority on the process. It's a human enterprise, and he has the ability to create relationships," Meissen said.

Chambers currently is assistant principal for administrative services at West Chicago's high school. He's also worked there as a dean, student support center coordinator and academic skills center coordinator. Chambers taught for six years at the Lawndale Community Academy in Chicago, after leaving Pansophic Systems in Lisle and the corporate world for education.