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Tyrrell named Principal at Sandburg High School
The High School District 230 School Board approved the hiring of Jennifer Tyrrell as Principal of Sandburg High School, in light of the retirement of Deb Baker at the end of this 2017-2018 school year.
“District 230 is incredibly grateful for the leadership Deb Baker has provided at each of our high schools since joining the district in 2001,” said School Board President Rick Nogal. “As an English Teacher and then Division Chair for English, Music and ELL at Sandburg, as Assistant Principal at Andrew, Associate Principal at Stagg and Principal at Sandburg High School, she has left a lasting legacy. We wish her all the best in retirement at the end of this school year.”
“Jen Tyrrell is a strong leader who will continue to focus on student achievement while leading the Sandburg community,” said Nogal. “It is clear that she is passionate about the success of each student, each staff member and the overall needs of the school community.”
Tyrrell comes to Sandburg High School from Stagg High School where she has taught, coached and served as an administrator since 2005. She began as a Physical Education Teacher, served as Division Chair for five years and led as Associate Principal for Instruction for the past four years.
Tyrrell has provided leadership in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention at the school and district levels. She has also assisted in the hiring and mentoring of staff, led parent and community engagement efforts, planned student recognition initiatives, organized new teacher professional development, facilitated the School Improvement Process, overseen budgets and served as building technology liaison. She has also served on several District-wide committees including Curriculum Advisory, Evaluation Joint Committee and ESP Job Description Committee.
“Jen’s knowledge, expertise and compassion are incredible assets,” said Superintendent Dr. James M. Gay. “She is committed to collaboration and teamwork which will serve the Sandburg community well during this transition of leadership. Jen is an amazing leader and one of her greatest strengths is her ability to form positive relationships with students and staff.”
Baker and Tyrrell will work closely over the next several months to assure a smooth transition in leadership.
Tyrrell is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from Loyola University. She holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Lewis University, as well as a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology-Sport Management and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, both from Western Illinois University.
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