As I look toward the start of the 2022-2023 school year, I can’t help but think how proud I am to be a Jhawk. The past school year was filled, as always, with challenges that pushed each and everyone one of us in directions we didn’t think were possible. As I have learned, however, from being in this community for the past four years, Joliet is not defined by these challenges, but rather the ability to overcome adversity. Our community showed the resilience that defines our spirit time and time again. A big thank is owed to our community for their continued support of kids here in Joliet.

As my time as the elementary principal comes to an end, I am grateful to the students, staff, and community members who helped shape me into the educator I am today. I couldn’t be happier to have the community’s trust and support as I make the transition into the role as Superintendent. I am even happier to report that the District has done an incredible job in selecting Mandi Hernandez and Theresa Keel to take over 6-12 and K1-5 principal responsibilities respectively.

As superintendent, I will work to bring together a wide variety of opinions, listen, ensure voices are valued, build consensus, and help the District fulfill its vision to create an exemplary learning environment for students. Towards this end, I am happy to meet with community members to hear input regarding the direction of the District. I have an open door policy, please stop by.

Our grit role models for the 2022-2023 school year will be the 1980 United States Men's Hockey Team, who, against all odds, managed to defeat the world’s greatest players and teams, to win the gold medal that year in Lake Placid. Most know the event as ‘A Miracle,’ however, it was hard work, building a team, and a choice to be different that made ‘The Miracle’ happen. In coach Herb Brooks’ words, “You can't be common, the common person goes nowhere; you have to be uncommon.”

I look forward to a great year of the uncommon!