District 205 Board Approves New Principal of York High School

Elmhurst, IL – Following the resignation of the York High School Principal, the Elmhurst District 205 administration immediately began an inclusive and thorough search to find the next York Principal. With a mission to bring in top talent to ensure continued student growth and success, the multi-stepped process began.

The Elmhurst District 205 Board of Education has approved the appointment of Ms. Jessica Hurt as the next leader of York High School.

“All of the candidates for this position brought an enormous amount of experience, professionalism and talent with them. Ms. Hurt’s strong track record of building systems and cultures that both drive student success, and leave a lasting positive impact on the entire school community, coupled with being an articulate, knowledgeable, and confident leader regarding all aspects of curriculum and instruction have provided her with the skills and knowledge to successfully lead York High School,” said Dr. Keisha Campbell, Elmhurst District 205 Superintendent. “We are honored that Ms. Hurt chose to join District 205 and I look forward to working with her to create strong systems and relationships that drive student success at York.”

The District received a total of 35 applications for the position and 13 were selected for initial screening. Following these screenings, a total of five candidates rose to the top and were identified as finalists to attend an in-person interview with a panel that included district administration, leaders from schools throughout the District and other staff from York High School and concluded with three candidates chosen to be a part of the extensive third round interviews with parents, students and staff.

Community input was incorporated into the process through survey responses, focus groups and culminated in the rigorous third round interviews. In total, nearly 500 York parents, guardians, staff, students and community members helped provide feedback and information to assist us in the creation of what the profile of our new York High School Principal should include.

Ms. Hurt brings 20-years of experience as a transformative leader in education, including a diverse portfolio which includes three administrative positions, 13 years as a social studies teacher, during which time she was also the Department Chair for five years, overseeing a department of 25+ educators.

Her career emerged with an attention to strong instructional leadership and a keen ability to conceptualize a project or initiative, plan it out and execute it. Ms. Hurt has a proven track record of working closely with both staff and community members to ensure transformative educational opportunities and outcomes for all students.

Ms. Hurt has spent the last 16 years at Hinsdale Central High School, where she began as a teacher of World Cultures, AP Government & Politics, Civics and Global Issues, and continued to excel in her position from the Social Studies Department Chair to Assistant Principal for Operations and, most recently, Assistant Principal for curriculum and Instruction. Previously she also held teaching positions at Oswego East High School and Oswego High School as well as Monroe Middle School in Wheaton.

“The first words that come to mind when reflecting on Ms. Hurt's leadership are caring, innovative, collaborative, and intelligent,” said Hinsdale Central High School District 86 Principal, William C. Walsh. “She is a valued member of our school community, who utilizes resources available to her, but she is also a genuine person who brings a high level of energy to the school culture. Ms. Hurt works collaboratively with the Parent Teacher Organization, community leaders and Hinsdale Central staff to develop programs that target students' academic capacity and learning environment.”

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be the next Principal of York High School,” shared Ms. Hurt. “I look forward to working closely with the York students, staff and community to implement effective methods of school improvement in academics and to continue building a strong school culture that both honors and elevates the York High School history and defines what it means to be a York Duke.”

Recently awarded the 2022 Assistant Principal of the Year for the DuPage Region by the Illinois Principal Association, Ms. Hurt received her Bachelor of Science, Social Science & Secondary Education, Magna Cum Laude from Illinois State University, her Masters in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, Her Educational Specialist degree from Northern Illinois University in Educational Administration Superintendent and is currently completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Northern Illinois University, with anticipated completion in 2023.

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