District 120 School Board names new Mundelein High School principal
The District 120 Board of Education on Tuesday named Alexandria Rios Taylor as the new principal of Mundelein High School. She will begin at MHS on July 1.
Taylor spent the last four years as an administrator at Glenbard High School District 87, first as a Dean of Students and Equity Coordinator at Glenbard West High School and the last two years as assistant principal of Glenbard East High School. She previously taught Spanish at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville for 11 years.
"We're extremely excited to welcome her to our high school community," said Kevin Myers, Superintendent of Districts 120 and 75. "We believe Alexandria has the right kinds of qualifications and experience that will help us continue along our path toward excellence. She's exactly the kind of person we wanted to guide our students and staff at Mundelein High School."
She will step into the role being vacated by outgoing Principal Anthony Kroll, who will be stepping into a new District 120 administrative post.
"I am both humbled and excited about this opportunity and I can't wait to get started," Taylor said. "I look forward to leading those in our Mundelein High School community to be their best. I truly believe everyone is a genius when operating within their own skillset."
The opening in the principal's office attracted national interest. A 40-member committee of administrators and staff considered 30 candidates and interviewed seven before narrowing it down to the top three. During the process, which also involved a dozen students, Taylor continued to stand out among the applicants. The interviewing teams were impressed with her approachable nature, her willingness to get involved in community, and her passion for education.
Taylor fit the characteristics District 120 was seeking in a new principal including: administrative and teaching experience, a culture and climate builder, decisive, proactive and collaborative.
Her work during the last four years blend well with the goals of Mundelein High School, Superintendent Kevin Myers said. In 2021, the District 120 School Board adopted its Racial and Education Equity policy. During her career at Glenbard high schools Taylor collaborated on the District 87 Equity and Inclusion Plan, coordinated an Equity Mentorship Program and was the primary administrative contact and advocate for the building equity team of about 100 students and staff.
Myers also expects Taylor to fit in well because of her background in communicating high expectations in working with students and staff, her dedication to community, and her humble nature.
Taylor anticipates completion of her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration with Superintendent Endorsement in June from Aurora University. She earned her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Benedictine University in 2009, and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from North Central College in 2007.
Her accomplishments include an Outstanding Alumni award from North Central College (2021), a Multicultural Advancement Award (2007), and being named an Academic Scholar for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (2008). She also co-authored the book "Today's Inspired Young Latina," a hopeful collection of personal stories about overcoming adversity and reaching for one's dreams.