ELMHURST, IL – York High School Principal Shahe Bagdasarian is resigning in June and taking a job as superintendent of Oak Lawn High School, Oak Lawn's school district announced Thursday.
Bagdasarian is replacing the retiring Michael Riordan, who has served as Oak Lawn High School District 229's superintendent for 15 years, according to the district's news release.
Oak Lawn High School's enrollment was listed as 1,814 as of last school year, while York's was 2,743, more than 50 percent larger.
Find out what's happening in Elmhurstfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bagdasarian has been York's principal since summer 2020.
Bagdasarian started his career as a special education teacher in Lansing, Michigan, according to the news release. After moving to the Chicago area, Bagdasarian taught, coached football, and held numerous educational administrative positions.
Find out what's happening in Elmhurstfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York, Buffalo State College, as well as a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Illinois, the release said.
Bagdasarian is set to start as Oak Lawn High School's superintendent on July 1, the first day of the budget year.
"Dr. Bagdasarian has the experience and background needed to help the district achieve its future goals and promote academic success," board president Robert Loehr said in a statement.
Basdasarian's salary is $193,720 at York High School, according to the latest District 205 compensation report. He is expected to see his pay bumped up to $222,000 in Oak Lawn.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, District 205 said it was "happy for Dr. Bagdasarian and grateful for the hard work and dedication he has displayed during his tenure with District 205."
"We wish him nothing but the very best throughout his new journey," the statement said.
District 205 said it plans to start a search for a new principal, with updates provided throughout the process.
In a statement to York families, Bagdasarian said it had been his privilege to serve as York principal.
"York is an amazing school and I am proud of the many accomplishments I have been able to be a part of during my time here," he said. "I am also grateful for the unwavering support I received from the students, staff, Board of Education and Dr. (Superintendent Keisha) Campbell. "
He said the relationships he has built during his time at York made the decision to leave the most difficult in his career.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
