Madelyn Di Renzo-Devers has been named lead principal for Johnson and Mohawk Schools for the 2012-13 school year. She will be supported by two interim district administrators who will also work at both schools to ensure a strong transition to a blended school in the 2013-14 school year.
Mrs. Devers has been principal of Mohawk school for 12 years and an educator for 35 years. During her tenure at Mohawk the school has been twice named a Spotlight School by the Illinois State Board of Education and earned a National Blue Ribbon Award for student achievement in 2011.
“Ms. Ban will be missed, but I look forward to working closely with students, parents and teachers at both Johnson and Mohawk Schools and creating a positive learning environment that promotes student achievement,” Mrs. Devers said.
Jennifer Ban, who was Johnson School principal for four years, resigned in July to take a position in another district.
The interim administrators will be Robert J. Ballenger and Joanne S. Hall, who also bring many years of educational experience to the position. Both administrators, who are semi-retired, will work part-time and will be retained for up to 100 days each during this school year.
Mr. Ballenger retired after 30 years as an educator from Carol Stream District 93 in 2003, where he was a principal and assistant superintendent. Mrs. Hall was a principal in Wheaton District 200 for 13 years and principal in Round Lake for six years. Also, both have strong interim administrator experience having served in this role for other school systems in Du Page County.
Leading up to the merging of Mohawk and Johnson schools by December 2012, both the interim administrators and Mrs. Devers will work at both schools. The transition plan will have no additional cost to the District.
“It is an exciting time for the Johnson and Mohawk school communities,” said Superintendent James Stelter, Ed.D. “I have the utmost confidence in this excellent leadership team and that they will continue to build a ‘world of opportunity’ for our students.”