The District 64 Board of Education at its May 21, 2018 meeting confirmed the appointment of Janet Van Arsdale as the Assistant Principal of Washington School, effective July 26, 2018. She replaces Ms. Shari Lazor, who is leaving District 64 at the end of the school year to become Principal at Winnebago Elementary School in Marquardt School District 15.
An experienced administrator, Ms. Van Arsdale most recently served for five years as Associate Principal at Oak Terrace Elementary School in North Shore District 112, a position similar to an Assistant Principal in District 64. She previously served as a fourth grade teacher and a technology facilitator at other elementary schools in that district since 2005.
“Having selected teaching for a second career, Ms. Van Arsdale has shown a genuine love and enthusiasm for education and has become deeply invested and passionate about working with students to make sure they have everything they need to help them grow as learners,” according to Superintendent Laurie Heinz. “In her previous private sector career focused on customer service and having distinguished herself at a large and dynamic school system, she has shown that she is an outstanding ‘servant leader’ in a demanding, high-touch environment where children are at the center of our work,” she added.
“Ms. Van Arsdale stood out as an exceptional candidate at each step of our rigorous screening process, and we are confident that she will be an educational leader and partner working alongside Principal Stephanie Daly to support the implementation of many significant initiatives in student learning and the overall environment at Washington,” Dr. Heinz added.
A graduate of Western Illinois University, Ms. Van Arsdale holds a master’s degree from Loyola University.
Ms. Van Arsdale was selected from a pool of 72 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. Three finalists then met with a committee of Washington staff members, the Washington and Carpenter principals, and District administrators. Following an extensive background and reference check, Dr. Heinz selected Ms. Van Arsdale for the post.
PHOTO: Ms. Van Arsdale
