Principal Takes Medical Leave At John Hersey In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — With the 2021-2022 school year set to begin Wednesday, Township High School District 214 officials announced the principal at John Hersey High School is going on medical leave. Gordon Sisson, who has been in the position for the last nine years, informed the school of the decision Monday.

Keir Rogers, the current principal of the Specialized Schools, will become the principal of John Hersey High School effective immediately via an administrative reassignment, according to a news release. Valerie Norris, assistant principal for students services at Elk Grove High School, is being appointed as the new principal of the Specialized Schools.

It is anticipated that the Board of Education will approve the appointment at Thursday’s meeting, according to the news release.

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Rogers joined District 214 last year after serving as principal of River Trails Middle School in Mount Prospect, District 26, since 2008. Earlier in his career, he served as a principal at various schools across northern Illinois. Rogers started his career as assistant principal at Auburn High School in Rockford. He has a master’s of education degree in administration and supervision and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Loyola University in Chicago. Currently, he is working towards his doctorate in education at Concordia University Chicago.

Norris served as assistant principal for Student Services at Elk Grove High School for 15 years and has been at the school since 1999. She began her career as a counselor in Miami, Florida before working as a school counselor at Huntley High School. Norris holds degrees in education and
counselor education from DePaul University and Florida International University. She additionally holds certifications in administration as well as special education.

“I know that these leaders are well-equipped for the tasks ahead and will ensure a smooth transition," Superintendent David R. Schuler said in the news release. "Gordie has provided a high level of leadership for the John Hersey community, and Keir has demonstrated a talent for innovation in his time at the Specialized Schools. Keir and Val will continue these positive trends for students and staff in their new assignments.”