Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Leaving for Superintendent Role

Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Dr. Kevin Suchinski has accepted the position of Superintendent of Hillside District 93 effective July 1, 2015. He will continue in his role as Principal of Hickory Creek through June 30.

“Kevin’s energy, enthusiasm, and love of teaching has left a mark on thousands of Frankfort children over the past 13 years. We are honored to have worked with him,” said District 157-C Board of Education President Christopher McFadden. Board member Edie Adamski agreed, stating, “As a school board member, I will miss Kevin’s enthusiastic, proud-as-a-father, monthly summaries of the accomplishments of his students.”

Dr. Suchinski has served as Principal of Hickory Creek Middle School since 2002, first in its original location at 22265 S. 80th Avenue and currently at 22150 W. 116th Avenue, in Frankfort. He was extensively involved in the planning stages of the new school that opened in 2006 and was built specifically to coordinate with the middle school philosophy. The school has earned designation as an Illinois Horizon School by the Association of Illinois Middle Schools (AIMS.) It has also been recognized as a Demonstration Middle School and a U.S. Department of Education School of Excellence.

Dr. Suchinski stated, “I have been fortunate to serve District 157-C for the last 13 years. During this time, the staff and students have accomplished many milestones and achievements. These accomplishments were the results of a dedicated staff, supportive Board of Education and devoted parents. It has been an incredible journey and I cannot begin to thank all of the parents, students and staff that I have served over the years. I now look forward to serving Hillside District 93 and working with the Board of Education, staff, parents, students and community for years to come.”

Before joining District 157-C, Dr. Suchinski served as the Assistant Principal at Gregory Middle School in Naperville and was a teacher at Mark Sheridan Math & Science Academy in Chicago. He also served as a union delegate for the Chicago Public Schools and was a Legal Assistant and Supervisor of Court Staff for the Cook County State’s Attorney in Chicago.

Dr. Suchinski earned his Doctorate of Education degree from Illinois State University. His successful dissertation was entitled “Meeting the needs of all students in two middle schools: A study of the impact of Response to Intervention on common planning time and instructional practices.” Prior to earning his Doctorate degree, Dr. Suchinski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching of History and a Master’s of Educational Leadership degree from National Louis University. He also holds Type 09 and Type 75 Illinois Certifications. Dr. Suchinski and his wife Allison are the parents of three children: Jason, Tess and Kate.

“I want to wish Dr. Suchinski the very best as he takes on this new and challenging role as superintendent,” District 157-C Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni said. “We appreciate the many years of service Dr. Suchinski has given to Hickory Creek Middle School and the district. He has had a positive impact on many families throughout our community and he will be greatly missed.”

Dr. Zinni and her leadership team will begin an extensive process for recruiting a new principal for Hickory Creek which will involve gathering input from all stakeholders including staff, administrators and parents. “Making an announcement at this time,” Dr. Zinni explained,” will allow the district to seek a new leader for Hickory Creek Middle School from the largest pool possible. Whomever is chosen as the new principal will be welcomed by a professional and dedicated staff, caring parents, and some very awesome students.”