Angela Stallion Selected as Incoming Principal of The Lane School

Submitted by Community Consolidated School District 181. Photo: Angela Stallion

Angela Stallion has been selected as the new principal of The Lane School in Community Consolidated School District 181 starting July 20, 2015. The District 181 Board of Education approved the appointment at a Special meeting on July 13, 2015 (Vote 6-0; Absent: Rich Giltner).

Stallion has served as principal of N.B. Galloway School in Channahon District 17 since August 2006. She also has sixteen years of experience as an elementary teacher, including third grade and kindergarten in Coal City Unit District 1 and preschool at-risk in Minooka District 201. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Aurora University, and she is currently working on her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University.

When asked why she wanted to apply for the position, Stallion notes, “District 181 has a reputation for excellence in education. I am impressed with the District’s philosophy as well as the program opportunities for students. The goals of balanced literacy, differentiated instruction and programs designed to provide acceleration for students demonstrates a current and progressive approach to teaching and learning. I very much look forward to being a part of the team.”

District 181 Superintendent Dr. Don White notes that 32 individuals completed the online application process. A thorough screening process and review of the submitted materials narrowed the process to three candidates who participated in interviews. The candidates met with Dr. White and an interview team that consisted of parents and staff from The Lane School, as well as District and school administrators.

Dr. White shares, “Ms. Stallion demonstrated to the interview team that she can and will serve The Lane School students, staff, and parents at a very high level. She has a clear understanding of what it takes to be an instructional leader, strong knowledge of standards and curriculum, and she shows a genuine love for teachers and students.”

Among Stallion’s first priorities in her new role will be getting to know the people in the school and community.

“Building relationships with the staff, parents, and organizations is top on my list,” she says. “I will invite them in at their convenience to share with me their hopes and expectations for me as principal of The Lane. I will also take that opportunity to offer more about myself so they can feel comfortable that I will promote open and honest dialogue at all times in order to sustain what has been built and support positive change when warranted.” Stallion is additionally eager to familiarize herself with the school’s procedures, programs and instructional practices to create a seamless beginning to the school year.

“Families are entrusting their most precious possession to us for a large amount of time during the school year, and that I take that responsibility very seriously. I want parents to know they can contact me at any time with issues or concerns they may have. I will always welcome conversation about needs specific to their child and to the more global needs of the building and community. Effective communication is the key to success.”

Stallion says she is also committed to effective communication with The Lane staff. “I continue to consider myself a teacher no matter what role I assume in the field. I respect and value the dedication and hard work it takes to lead students and meet their needs.”

In other District administrative news, the District 181 Board of Education approved the hiring of Dr. Carol Larson as Director of Assessment and Program Effectiveness on June 22, 2015. Her work in the district’s Department of Learning will focus on linking assessment with instructional practices, district programs, and overall curriculum and instruction effectiveness. She will be responsible for developing and facilitating district, school, and classroom level systems of effectiveness and program analysis.

Dr. Larson served as a second grade teacher and fourth grade teacher in Evanston and as an English Language Learning specialist in Chicago. She also worked as a scoring leader for Educational Testing Service (ETS) and curriculum developer for the Shedd Aquarium’s Amazon Rising exhibit. She participated on research teams at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education in New York, and the Institute for Education and Social Policy in New York. She is currently an Adjunct Professor of Human Growth and Development with the City Colleges of Chicago and the Site Administrator for Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development Summer Program. Dr. Larson earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree in elementary education from New York University, a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a doctorate degree in educational psychology from the University of Illinois in Chicago.

“My doctoral program prepares people to work in either research settings or big testing companies; however, my heart has always been with the public schools,” Dr. Larson notes. “When I saw the posting for this position, I immediately applied because opportunities for me to integrate my research skills, leadership training, and public schools background into one role are so rare.”

“I am very excited about working for D181! There are so many interesting projects going on in the district, which will keep my job fresh. After meeting parents, administrators, and staff, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this district. I’ve been exposed to a number of different school systems, and D181 definitely stands out as a leader.”

Dr. White explains that he created of Dr. Larson’s position after listening to feedback from the Board, staff, and community members over the past year. “We have demonstrated a need for an individual to work very specifically in the area of assessment, who is not only extremely proficient with data but also a good collaborator in supporting colleagues as they analyze information and use it to improve teaching and learning.”

A second change being made to respond to a need in the District is the hiring of an Assistant Superintendent of Learning (Curriculum and Instruction) who will co-lead the Department of Learning with Dr. Kurt Schneider.

“Dr. Schneider will remain an Assistant Superintendent of Learning, but with more specific focus on Pupil Services, or Special Education,” Dr. White explains. “The Board of Education, Dr. Schneider, and I believe this change will best support all students, as well as staff and families.” The total number of administrators is not increasing from the prior year, Dr. White notes.

“These shifts in administrative roles and responsibilities are the result of many conversations over the past several months. As I begin my second year in the District, it is critical that I continue to listen to our community’s needs and desires for our schools, and implement the changes that will most effectively help us achieve our mission of providing an environment of educational excellence for each student.”