New Principal Hired for Hickory Creek Middle School

At its regular Board meeting on April 20, the Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education retained William Z. Seidelmann to serve as the new Principal of Hickory Creek Middle School effective July 1, 2015. He will replace Dr. Kevin Suchinski who has accepted a position as Superintendent of Hillside District 93.

“We are confident that Mr. Seidelmann will be an excellent Principal for our middle school students and staff,” said Dr. Maura Zinni. “He is highly qualified and understands our middle school philosophy that addresses the developmental needs of students including intellectual, social, emotional and physical aspects. Mr. Seidelmann is outgoing and engaging, strongly believing in the importance of communication, collaboration and cooperation among staff. He also believes in our philosophy of always keeping the students in mind when making decisions.”

Part of the District 157-C extensive selection process included surveys and meetings with staff members, parents and members of the community and this input was vital to the decision. Seidelmann was selected from a field of over 50 highly qualified applicants, including the final 10 who were chosen for face-to-face screening with District 157-C Cabinet members. District 157-C administrators also conducted a site visit at his current employer to experience his work environment and learn more about him from his colleagues and superiors.

Seidelmann has an outstanding résumé that includes extensive experience in regular and special education settings. He currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Conrady Junior High School in North Palos District 117, a National Distinguished Title I award-winning school. While there, he improved the after-school intervention program, provided new ideas to enhance the special education department and streamlined the school’s testing process. Prior to that, he was employed at Plainfield School District 202’s Central High School Emotional and Behavioral Program as a case manager and educator. Past employment also includes a position as a special educator for the Southwest Cook County Cooperative for Special Education at Victor J. Andrew High School.

Seidelmann is currently completing the Doctoral degree program in Educational Leadership at DePaul University. He has earned a Director of Special Education endorsement from Lewis University, a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. He also holds a Type 75 Administrative Certificate, a Type 10 Illinois Certificate in Special Education LBS1 and a Type 03 Illinois Certificate in Elementary Education.

Dr. Zinni continued, “District 157-C prides itself on its strong partnership with parents and community members and is also thankful for its dedicated school staff and Board of Education members. We believe that Mr. Seidelmann will be a valued member of our team and he is excited to meet our parents, staff and students. Please join us in welcoming Will Seidelmann to our school family.”

Parents, school staff and the community are invited to a “Meet & Greet” that will be held on April 29 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the library at Hickory Creek Middle School, 22150 W. 116th Avenue in Frankfort. Everyone is welcome to attend this event to meet the new Hickory Creek Principal. Later this summer there will also be opportunities for District families to meet him during the “Back to School” events.