District 205 Board Approves Next Principal of Sandburg Middle School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 6, 2023

District 205 Board Approves Next Principal of Sandburg Middle School
– Bringing over 20-years of experience in strong instructional leadership to Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 -

Elmhurst, IL – Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 launched an inclusive and thorough search to find the next Sandburg Middle School Principal in January, immediately following the retirement announcement of the current principal. With a driving mission to bring in top talent that would ensure continued student growth and success, the rigorous multi-stepped process began.

Throughout the process, community input was a top priority. The District incorporated this in multiple ways, including a community survey and several parent, and staff focus groups. All input was compiled and utilized to create an outline of the top priorities for the next principal of Sandburg.

Receiving a total of 71 applications for the position, and a total of 15 applicants were chosen for initial first-round virtual interviews. Six (6) candidates were identified to attend an in-person interview on Monday, February 13, 2022, with a panel of 14 participants including the following: Sandburg’s Assistant Principal, Directors from Student Services and Learning & Teaching, Cabinet members, and Dr. Linda Yonke. All in-person candidates presented a 10-minute data overview and priority presentation before engaging in a standard questioning interview session, in which questions were aligned to feedback received from community members.

Following the rigorous first two rounds of interviews, four (4) candidates were chosen to continue in the process and be a part of an extensive third-round interview at Sandburg Middle School that included parents, students, board members, administrators, and Sandburg classified and certified staff. Following the third round, there were two candidates that rose to the top and were then invited to a final interview.

At the conclusion of the final interview it was clear that Mr. Joshua J. Louis was the right person to lead Sandburg Middle School. By the end of the interview process he demonstrated that his skills best align with the needs of the Sandburg community. Additionally, throughout the robust interview process, and speaking with his references, it was clear that his experiences, personality and proven track record are a great fit for the position.

“We were grateful to have such a strong pool of applicants for the Sandburg Principal. Throughout the process we were able to utilize the valuable feedback that we received through our engagement with our community to ensure that we were able to find the best principal to ensure continued student growth and success,” said Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell. “In each role Mr. Louis has held, he has routinely demonstrated the ability to build extraordinary relationships, develop the capacity of others and implement data-driven approaches to achieve success - All of which were areas that were shared during the focus groups as key priorities for the next Sandburg Principal. We are excited to see the positive impact that Mr. Louis will undoubtedly make as the next Sandburg Principal.”

Mr. Louis is an educator with over 20-years of experience serving high school, middle school and elementary students in various roles ranging from a science and social studies teacher, team leader, PLC trainer and facilitator, assistant principal and currently, principal. Throughout all interviews, Mr. Louis approached all questions with a student-centered approach and the ability to develop others toward common goals as a community.

Since July 2017, Mr. Louis has been the proud principal of Steeple Run Elementary School in Naperville, Illinois. Under his leadership, they saw continued student achievement gains that resulted in a 2022 Blue Ribbon School Designation. Throughout the interview process, highlights of success from Mr. Louis' career emerged with attention to building and maintaining positive relationships, fostering teamwork, creating a collaborative culture, and achieving student-focused goals. Mr. Louis is extremely passionate about the Middle School experience and looks forward to this transition back to middle school.

“My heart has always been to serve others and I find no greater joy than investing in staff, students and community members who share my commitment to developing the phenomenal students with whom we are entrusted,” shared Josh. “My passion throughout my career has truly been in working with middle schools. I am excited to join the Sandburg community and to begin working with the staff, parents and students to continue building and strengthening the strong practices already in place.”

Mr. Louis received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Pre-Medicine from Augustana College, his Masters of Arts in Teaching from Wheaton College Graduate School, and his Masters in Educational Leadership from North Central College Graduate School.

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