Herrick Taps Former Student To Be New Principal

Matt Neustadt has been appointed the new principal at Herrick Middle School -- the same school he attended as a child.

His appointment was approved by the board of education on Monday. Neustadt has served as assistant principal at Herrick for three years, and was a math teacher at O'Neill Middle School for nine years prior to that, according to a Dist. 58 news advisory.

Neustadt is a Downers Grove resident and the father of two boys. He replaces Jason Lynde, who was appointed the new principal at El Sierra School for 2014-15. Lynde replaces retiring El Sierra Principal Lucille Carney.

"I am a proud product of District 58 and I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to serve as principal of the middle school where I once attended as a child," Neustadt said. "Building lasting and positive relationships with students and their families is something that I look forward to continuing while serving as the principal of Herrick. I am a firm believer that the principal of a successful school is visible, active, and honest, and this is exactly how I plan to lead Herrick Middle School."

Neustadt completed his undergraduate degree at National Louis University with a major in elementary education, and he has a master's degree in educational leadership from Northern Illinois University.

"We are so privileged to have Matt Neustadt on our team and assuming this new role for us at Herrick," said District 58 Superintendent Kari Cremascoli, Ph.D.

Source: Downers Grove Grade School Dist. 58