2 New Principals Named At Evanston/Skokie District 65 Schools

EVANSTON, IL — The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 board approved the appointment a pair of new principals Monday, district staff announced. The two new building chiefs are set to begin work at Haven Middle School and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School on July 1 along with District 65's new superintendent.

Amber Henderson, assistant principal of Robert Clemente High School in Chicago Public Schools since 2018, was named the new King Arts principal. Henderson leads the school's culture and climate team, focused on implementing restorative and trauma-informed practices, according to a statement from the district.

Henderson, who has spent nearly 13 years teaching in Chicago, said in the statement that she was honored to be selected for the post and committed to strong communications and building school communities with systematic support for high expectations for learning. She previously was an assistant principal at Harold Washington Elementary School and a resident principal and department chair at Wendell Phillips High School.

"It is a privilege to join an astounding community of talented and steadfast staff, students, and parents," Henderson said. "I am confident that through our collaboration and communication, we will achieve amazing success."

Chris Latting, currently in his second year as principal of Isaac Singleton Elementary School in Joliet Public Schools, has 14 years of teaching and administrative experience, according to the district. He was previously principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, assistant principal at M.J. Cunningham Elementary School and interim dean of academics at Dirksen Junior High School, where he began his career as an eighth grade science teacher.

Latting describes himself as a servant leader who is committed to high expectations, distributed leadership, visibility, clear communication and culturally sensitive policies and practices, according to the district's statement.

"I am extremely delighted to be joining the team at Haven Middle School," Latting said. "I look forward to our collaborative efforts to provide all students and staff with rich and meaningful opportunities for social, emotional, and intellectual growth."

Interim Superintendent Phil Ehrhardt, due to be succeeded in July by the incoming superintendent, Devon Horton, said he and other district officials were excited to welcome Henderson and Latting, who he described as tremendous leaders.

"Both of their qualities and experience closely align with the leadership profiles developed by their respective school communities," Ehrhardt said.

Ehrhardt said executive search consultants from Libertyville-based BWP & Associates helped facilitate an inclusive and transparent search process for the two new principals.

"We are so appreciative of those who shared their voice and helped us to identify the qualities, skills, and experience desired for their next school leaders," he said. "And, we are grateful for those who participated in the survey, focus groups, and to our interview committee of educators, parents/caregivers, and administrators."