Leadership Changes at East Maine School District 63

At its meeting on June 4, the East Maine School District 63 Board of Education approved the appointment of Jennifer Pacheco as the District’s new Director of Special Services, Angela Maki as the new Principal of Melzer Elementary in Morton Grove, and Stephan Henning as the new Assistant Principal at Apollo Elementary in Des Plaines. All appointments take effect July 1.

Pacheco has been Melzer’s Principal since 2016 – but she was no stranger to D63 even then, having previously served in several capacities there from 2006-2014. She began her career as a special education resource teacher at West Aurora School District 129, and joined District 63’s Apollo School in 2006 in a similar position. Pacheco worked as a professional development and academic achievement coach, ultimately serving as a District special education facilitator for two years. Prior to returning to D63, she was Associate Principal at Maywood/Melrose Park/Broadview School District 89’s Stevenson Middle School. Pacheco holds a B.S.Ed. in special education from Northern Illinois University, an MA in educational technology and instructional design from DeVry University, and an MA in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix.

Maki, currently Assistant Principal at Apollo School, will take the helm at Melzer. She joined Apollo in 2017, coming to the District from Wauconda Community Unit School District 118, where she served as Assistant Principal for Robert Crown Elementary for five years. Previous experience includes teaching 3rd grade in District 118. Maki holds a BA in elementary education from Wisconsin's Saint Norbert College and an MA in school leadership from Concordia University.

Henning will be new to the District. Currently a 7th grade social studies teacher at Troy School District's Boulan Park Middle School in Michigan, he has spent much of his life as an educator and sports coach. In addition to also teaching 4th grade for the Troy District, Henning has taught at both the elementary and middle school levels in Michigan and Beloit, Wisconsin. A graduate of Michigan’s Rochester College (now Rochester University) with a BA in elementary education, he also holds an MA in educational technology and an Administrative Certification from Marygrove College in Detroit.

Dr. Scott Clay, District 63 Superintendent, is enthusiastic about the leadership changes. “Both Ms. Pacheco and Ms. Maki have proven themselves to be skilled leaders who are dedicated to the children of District 63 – and Mr. Henning brings a range of experiences to the District and Apollo that will have a positive impact on our students, families, and staff.” he noted.

Likewise, all three D63 leaders are ready for their new roles. "Since I walked through D63's doors in 2006, I've known this was a special place - with a strong focus on equity and meeting the unique needs of every child,” Pacheco said. “I’m excited to continue my work here in a different capacity, ensuring that all students have the resources and services they need to be empowered to succeed."

Maki added, “I’m thrilled and truly honored to have the opportunity to continue serving this unique community. My time at Apollo has been incredibly rewarding. Now I’m looking forward to joining another team of educators just as committed to building a caring teaching and learning environment for all students – and working collaboratively to maintain Melzer’s tradition of excellence.”

“I’m very excited to start my next professional chapter in District 63, especially at Apollo,” said Henning, who will be relocating to Illinois over the summer. “To be back in an elementary setting for my first Assistant Principal position is a dream come true. I can’t wait to get to know the community and start building lasting relationships with our families, students, and all stakeholders. Go Bulldogs!”

East Maine School District 63 offers a rich learning environment and multicultural perspective to more than 3,400 students in the diverse communities of Des Plaines, Niles, Glenview, Park Ridge, and Morton Grove.

Committed to teaching excellence that provides all students with the specific opportunities they need to succeed and thrive, District 63’s six elementary schools (K-5) – including Apollo and Melzer -- Gemini Middle School (6-8), First Steps Preschool, and Expanded Learning enrichment/afterschool programs foster each student’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth and achievement. Visit www.emsd63.org to learn more.