The Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 Board of Education at its June 9 meeting confirmed the appointment of Stephanie Daly as principal of Washington School. Daly is currently the assistant principal shared between Carpenter and Franklin schools. She is replacing Jessica Hutchison, who has accepted a principal post in another district.
Since joining District 64 in 2013, Daly has been actively involved in leadership roles at Carpenter and Franklin schools, working to impact the educational program and strengthen both school communities. A major focus this year was developing and implementing the social/emotional curriculum for students and leading professional development for teachers in the District’s new math curriculum and in using assessments more effectively.
“The interview team was impressed by the authentic connections she has made with students, teachers and parents in a very short time, and her deep knowledge of the District’s curriculum and high impact instruction,” according to Superintendent Philip Bender. “The team believes that this strong focus on students – combined with her communications skills – make her an excellent choice to lead Washington with its emphasis on meeting the learning needs of every child,” he added.
Daly came to District 64 last year from nearby Attea Middle School in Glenview District 34, where as a teacher she was most recently assigned as assistant to the principal in 2012-13. Earlier in District 34, she served as an instructional specialist and also taught grades 4 and 5. Previously, Daly taught fourth grade and was a special education teacher for St. Charles CUSD 303, and also was a resource teacher in Bartlett Unit District 46.
A graduate of St. Ambrose University, Daly completed her master’s degree at Roosevelt University.
Daly was selected through a multi-step process that included interviews by a team of District and building administrators, Washington teachers and parents, and incoming Superintendent Laurie Heinz; administrators also conducted site visits to Carpenter and Franklin schools to meet with parents, staff, administration and union representatives before Dr. Heinz recommended her for appointment.
District 64 will immediately begin outreach to identify a new assistant principal to be shared by Carpenter and Franklin schools; an appointment is expected prior to the start of the new school year in August.