The Board of Education of Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 at its May 2, 2018 meeting confirmed the appointment of Emilie Creehan as the new full-time Assistant Principal of Carpenter School, effective July 26, 2018. Earlier this spring, the Board approved a plan to provide separate, full-time assistant principals for both Carpenter and Franklin schools in lieu of sharing a single assistant.
Ms. Creehan comes to District 64 from Irving Elementary School in Oak Park Elementary School District 97 in Oak Park, where she served for eight years as the Student Support Specialist, a position similar to an Assistant Principal in District 64. She had previously taught first and third grades for three years there. Earlier in her career, she taught in the Chicago Public Schools for seven years in grades 5, 6 and 7.
“Ms. Creehan stood out as a strong candidate throughout our candidate review process,” according to Superintendent Laurie Heinz. “She has taught both elementary and middle school grades, has a strong curricular background, and is a true, student-centered leader who works collaboratively with parents and staff to ensure that children receive the supports they need to thrive,” Dr. Heinz noted.
“In addition, her experience with social emotional learning and the use of the Second Step curriculum that we introduced this year throughout District 64 will allow her to serve as a staff resource as we head into Year 2 of our implementation next year,” she added.
“We are confident that she will serve as an instructional leader and partner with Principal Brett Balduf in continuing to forward initiatives and the ‘small school with the big heart’ mindset that Carpenter is known for,” Dr. Heinz reported.
A graduate of Indiana University, Ms. Creehan holds a master’s degree from Concordia University.
Ms. Creehan was selected from a pool of 103 applicants. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Joel Martin conducted the initial paper and phone screenings, before candidates were moved forward for interviews with an administrative committee of both District and elementary building administrators. The finalist then met with a committee of staff members, Principal Balduf, and District administrators. Following an extensive background and reference check, Dr. Heinz selected Ms. Creehan for the post.
PHOTO: Ms. Emilie Creehan
