Troy 30-C Names Two New Assistant Principals

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Matthew Stortz is a new Assistant Principal at Troy Middle School.

Jessica Knobbe is a new Assistant Principal at William B. Orenic Intermediate School.

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Matthew Stortz has been named Assistant Principal of Troy Middle School, and Jessica Knobbe is William B. Orenic Intermediate School’s new Assistant Principal. Both are replacement positions.

Stortz has taught at Troy Middle School for 10 years, first in 7th grade social studies, and most recently in 8th grade social studies.

He was named Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s 2019 Coach of the Year for coaching 7th grade girls basketball; helped the 8th grade girls basketball team take first in state as an assistant coach in 2019; and helped the 8th grade girls basketball team take second in state as assistant coach in 2020.

Stortz is also assistant coach for Troy Track and Field and was a sponsor of the Junior Beta Club.

He received his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.

“I really enjoy working with the staff and students at Troy Middle School,” Stortz said. “The parents and community are very supportive of our school and help make it the wonderful place that it is. I am excited to continue to be a part of the Troy family, and I look forward to my new role at TMS.”

Stortz replaces former T.M.S. Assistant Principal Margaret Lopez, who is now principal of Troy Craughwell Elementary School.

Jessica Knobbe has been named Assistant Principal of William B. Orenic Intermediate School, which is also a Troy Community School District 30-C school.

Since 2009, Knobbe has also served as a staff development educator and as a reading specialist at Ludwig Elementary School in Lockport at Will County School District 92. She is also an adjunct professor in the Graduate Reading and Literacy Program at Lewis University.

At Ludwig, Knobbe organized and facilitated family literacy nights and parent reading meetings. She was also an active member of the strategic planning team, student support committee and the building leadership team.

She received a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis and a Master’s Degree in Reading and Literacy from Lewis University. Knobbe is currently working on her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, Learning and Stewardship at the University of St. Francis.

“I have heard nothing but amazing things about Troy School District,” she said, “and I feel fortunate to be able to work in such a positive community among strong students and staff.”

Knobbe replaces former W.B.O. Assistant Principal Kaitlin Curran, who is now principal of Navajo Heights School in Palos Heights.