Kaneland hires new principal for Harter Middle School

After conducting an extensive search for a new principal for Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove, Kaneland Unit District 302 has selected Brian Faulkner to fill the leadership position.

Faulkner currently serves Itasca Elementary District 10 as the principal at F.E. Peacock Middle School. The search began in January and was led by recently appointed Superintendent Todd Leden. Feedback from a parent, staff, and community survey and multiple focus groups, along with direction from the board of education, drove the development of the position profile.

Leden indicated that the candidate pool was the most talented he has experienced for any position in his 25-year career. From more than 50 applicants, Faulkner distinguished himself as a great fit for this position. In addition to being DuPage County "Principal of the Year" for 2015, Faulkner has vast experience with Response to Intervention (RtI), PBIS, and technology.

Faulkner currently directs the Parent Advisory Committee, and recently presented at the statewide No Child Left Behind state conference.

Faulkner led the transition of the Common Core State Standards and PARCC Assessment over the past three years, while keeping that in balance with the Social and Emotional Learning standards and needs of the middle school student. In addition to his current role as principal, Faulkner has been an assistant principal, dean of students, and was a health teacher in schools ranging from 400 students to over 1,000.

Faulkner shared that, "he looks forward to getting to know staff, parents, and students, and developing strong relationships. As I went through the interview process, it reinforced what I had learned about the Kaneland district and Harter Middle School, especially hearing the staff and parents' emphasis of educating the whole child."

Leden heard a repeated refrain during the search in regard to Faulkner, "he will build relationships with all members of the Kaneland community and our loss in Itasca will be Kaneland's gain."

Faulkner stated, "As I heard about the pride in the Kaneland community, I knew I wanted to be part of that and contribute as I get to know the community and they get to know me."

Leden would like to thank the Kaneland community for their participation in the process. Faulkner will officially begin July 1, 2015. During the next few months he will meet with district personnel, tour the district facilities, and meet the Kaneland Harter Middle School staff, as he transitions into the new role.