Buffalo Grove HS principal takes top award

Buffalo Grove High School Principal Carol Burlinski has been named Illinois High School Principal of the Year for 2014-2015, by the Illinois Principals Association.

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 Superintendent Dave Schuler announced the news at Thursday's board meeting to prolonged applause. This is the second year in a row for District 214 to claim the statewide award, as Wheeling High School's Lazaro Lopez won the honor last year.

Burlinski is retiring at the end of this school year after 39 years in education.

Sponsored by insurer Horace Mann, the award recognizes a high school principal who has "demonstrated a positive impact on their students and learning community," according to a release from the Illinois Principals Association.

During Burlinski's tenure, BGHS increased its ACT scores even as its demographics changed; more students are taking Advanced Placement classes; and the school added a literacy lab and a freshman advisory program, according to the release.

"It gives me such personal satisfaction to build a culture of learning throughout our school," Burlinski said. Burlinski will be recognized at the Illinois Principals Association annual fall conference in October and will receive a $1,000 prize.

Burlinski will not be eligible to compete in the National High School Principal of the Year competition because she will no longer be a principal after this year.

"High school principals serve students at a critical juncture of their learning and development. Carol Burlinski is to be commended for her leadership and efforts to do what is best for her students," said Jason Leahy, IPA executive director in a statement.

Burlinski thanked her staff and administrators for their support over the course of her career.

"This is really the exclamation point on this year," Burlinski said.