Central Middle School Principal Resigns After 1 Year

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- Michelle Reed is resigning after one year as principal of Central Middle School. Reed was hired last year after the Dist. 124 school board withdrew it offer to Dr. Matthew Eriksen after allegations of misconduct at his former district.

Reed said she will be moving out of state to be closer to her daughter, who is going away to college in the fall. While she said her tenure at Central Middle School was short, she said her time spent with CMS students will leave a lasting impression.

"I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to impact the lives and educations of the students at CMS. I wish them nothing but the best in the future," Reed said in a written statement.

The district said in a statement that under Reed's leadership, the students' academic performance in reading and math increased over the previous year at the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Reed also effectively incorporated several new initiatives in the students' daily schedule.

D124 Superintendent Dr. Robert Machak said he is grateful for the leadership Reed provided during her time in the district.

"As a colleague, friend, and a true middle school educator, Ms.Reed will be missed in District 124," Machak said. "I wish Ms. Reed well whatever plans her future holds for her family and her."

D124 will announce plans to select Reed's replacement in the coming days.