Schools
District 62 Names New North Elementary School Principal
Margo Giannoulis replace Principal Denise Fernandez, who will retire at the end of the school year.
From District 62: Dr. Margo Giannoulis was named Principal of North Elementary School at the January 22 Board of Education Meeting.
“It is an honor to be selected as the Principal for North Elementary in a district that perseveres for the success of all students,” said Dr. Giannoulis. “I am committed and excited to meet and serve the parents, staff and students in District 62.”
Dr. Giannoulis will replace Principal Denise Fernandez who will retire at the end of the school year. Fernandez was named Interim Principal of North Elementary School in 2016 and was then appointed as Principal in 2017. Prior to that, Fernandez served as Assistant Principal of Chippewa Middle school for eight years.
Giannoulis began her teaching career as a law and history teacher at Kenwood Academy in Chicago for ten years. Giannoulis started her principal residency program in 2011 at Phoenix Military Academy. Since 2012, Giannoulis has turned around multiple elementary and high schools in Chicago with teams of teachers, parents, students, and by involving the community. Since 2016, Giannoulis has proudly served as the Principal at Maercker School in Westmont serving parents and students from over thirty countries. As of 2018, Giannoulis has been part of DuPage County SEEDS Grant focused on the principal as an instructional leader.
“We thank Denise Fernandez for her years of service to the district and wish her the best in her retirement,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul E. Hertel. “Dr. Giannoulis has an extensive and diverse education background that culminates to a genuine passion for students. I’m very excited to welcome her to the District 62 team and look forward to seeing the contributions she will bring forth to the North Elementary School learning community.”
Giannoulis has a Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University of Chicago, a Master's degree in Secondary Education and History from DePaul University, and a Doctorate in Urban Education Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Giannoulis and her husband, live in Chicago with their five-year-old son who keeps them busy with his love for music, swimming, playing soccer and basketball.
“I would like to relay my gratitude and appreciation to the Board of Education, Superintendent Hertel, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Michael Amadei and the interview committee for presenting me this incredible opportunity to serve as Principal of North,” said Giannoulis. “I would also like to thank Ms. Fernandez for her service and dedication to the North community.”
Image via District 62
