Chippewa school in Des Plaines getting new principal

The appointment of Kermit Blakley as the new principal of Chippewa Middle School beginning Aug. 1 was approved by the Des Plaines Elementary School District 62 board at its meeting this week. Blakley will replace John Swanson, who will retire at the end of this school year after 13 years with the district.

Blakley is currently a principal at MacArthur Middle School in west suburban Berkeley. His teaching career began as a math and physical education teacher at Harbor Academy of the West 40 Regional Safe Schools program in west Cook County. He then was principal for five years at the alternative

high school in the Harbor program, focusing on social emotional learning, relationship building and academics.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Blakley to Chippewa Middle School this fall,” District 62 Superintendent Paul Hertel said, citing his “extensive experience in education from curriculum design, to data collection, to social and emotional learning.”

Blakley, who received his master's degree from Roosevelt University and a doctoral degree from National Louis University, said he looked forward to “the opportunity to lead Chippewa and learn from the staff, students and parents as I focus on this upcoming chapter in my life.”

He and his wife Antrila have four children, ranging in age from 19 to 29.