New Principals Named At District 47 Elementary Schools

District 47 recently leadership changes at Bernotas Middle School and North Elementary, which will start next fall. Steve Scarfe, principal at North Elementary for the past two years, will become the new principal at Bernotas Middle School beginning with the 2017-18 school year. Jeff Prickett, former principal at Bernotas, has taken on a new role as principal for McHenry District 156 High School (East Campus) starting this fall, according to a news release.

Scarfe has worked diligently alongside staff building a favorable climate and culture at North, positively impacting student and family engagement. His previous teaching experience at the middle/high school levels along with his skills in the area of relationship building and student engagement make him a natural fit for middle school leadership, according to school officials.

Scarfe’s restorative mindset for discipline and capacity to support students’ social-emotional needs will reinforce and enhance current initiatives being implemented at Bernotas. Scarfe and Prickett share an interest and expertise on the topic of restorative justice and together have presented on this topic around the state of Illinois on behalf of the Illinois Principals Association, according to the news release.

“We wish Mr. Prickett the best in his new career venture and have been blessed with his leadership at Bernotas for the past three years,” District 47 Superintendent Kathy Hinz said. “The District has a vested interest in seeing positive change and initiatives carried out in our schools from year to year. Shifting building leaders utilizes the skills and talents of our current leaders and brings fresh perspective combined with familiarity and experience to help ensure a seamless transition."

According to Scarfe, “I began my career in education as a middle school math teacher, so for me, this feels like coming home again. My own children attended Bernotas and I am very excited to be joining a great staff at a great school. Scarfe noted that Bernotas has made great strides in meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of all students the past few years with Mr. Prickett at the helm."

“I look forward to helping guide the school towards that same vision,” he said.

Christina Moran will assume the principal-ship for North beginning with the 2017-18 school year having served as the school’s assistant principal for the past three years. Moran has been integral in supporting staff, students, and families in the design and creation of an educational environment that supports all learners.

Serving in the role of principal will provide not only great leadership but continuity for the North school community as they continue to implement initiatives and set priorities to support and enhance teaching and learning.

“I am excited to serve the students, staff and families of North Elementary School as principal,” said Moran. “We will remain committed to providing a positive learning environment that supports the academic and social-emotional growth of all students.”

Ken Hommowun will be the new assistant principal at North for the 2017-18 school year. For the past two years, Hommowun has served as dean of students at Old Orchard Junior High School in Skokie. Prior to that he taught middle school music and drama in Des Plaines for several years and before that served as a music/choir teacher at several elementary schools in Oak Lawn and Joliet. Mr. Hommowun received his bachelor’s degree in music education at Illinois Wesleyan University and master’s degree in school leadership at Olivet Nazarene University.

"I look forward to joining North Elementary school and getting to know the staff, students and families who make up this great community,” said Hommowun. “I'm excited for the challenge and look forward to getting started!"