New principals named

At the February 15 Board of Education Meeting, the Board approved the hiring of three new principals, beginning July 1, 2018.

Michelle Friedman will be the new Principal of Longfellow Elementary School. Friedman is already a familiar face in CCSD21, as she served as a special education teacher at Frost Elementary School from 2003-2009. She left Frost to become an assistant principal in Deerfield District 109, and in 2016 became the Principal of Park View School in Morton Grove District 70. Michelle received her BS in Special Education, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with ESL Endorsement, and a CAS in Educational Leadership, all from National Louis University.

Jennifer Kiedaisch will be the new Principal of Whitman Elementary School. Kiedaisch currently works as an assistant principal at Park View School in Morton Grove District 70. Previously, she worked as a classroom teacher in Avoca School District 37, as well as in schools in Chicago and Jackson, MS. Jennifer earned a BA in Psychology and Spanish Language and Literature at University of Notre Dame, an MA in Teaching at University of Portland, and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.

Kevin Olsen will be the new Principal of Riley Elementary School. A former CCSD21 student, Olsen has served the district in many capacities, including currently as the Assistant Principal of Cooper Middle School. He also worked as a classroom teacher and learning coach, teaching at both Riley and Poe Elementary Schools. Kevin started his career in nearby River Trails District 26. Kevin earned a BS in Elementary Education from Ball State University, an MA in Teaching and Leadership from Saint Xavier University, and an MA in Educational Leadership from Roosevelt University.