Clarendon Hills Middle School Principal Hired

CLARENDON HILLS, IL — The District 181 Board of Education has unanimously approved the employment of Levi Brown as Principal of Clarendon Hills Middle School, effective immediately. According to a release from the district, Brown was hired into District 181 in July 2016 as the Assistant Principal of CHMS. The Principal position opened after former Principal Griffin Sonntag moved to another school district.

According to a release, Brown earned a Bachelor;s degree in Government and Secondary Social Studies Education, as well as a Master's degree in Secondary Education from the University of Virginia. He is currently finishing the dissertation for his Ph.D. in Education Policy and Leadership from George Mason University.

Brown served as a social studies teacher and Advanced Placement Coordinator for ten years with Fairfax County Schools, later served as Dean of Students in that district, and was Assistant Principal of Fairfax's Thoreau Middle School, according to a release. His experience has included leadership roles in areas such as technology integration, the teacher mentor program, students' community involvement, and curriculum development. While at CHMS for the last year, he has been active in work such as School Improvement Planning, serving as Test Coordinator, and serving on the District-wide Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) committee.

"I am honored, humbled, and excited to lead CHMS in a larger capacity," Brown said in a release. "The students, staff, and parents of this District have made me feel at home this past year, and I look forward to building more positive relationships over the coming years."

When asked what he believes are key priorities for the 2017-18 school year and beyond, Brown said in a release, "I plan to maintain the school's focus on high academic standards without compromising the importance of educating the whole child, especially during these crucial years of middle school. CHMS is an incredible place to both work and learn, and my goal is to continue the amazing accomplishments achieved by those before me."

Superintendent Dr. Don White said in a release that 44 individuals completed the application process, with six people brought in for interviews. Candidates met with White as well as a team of CHMS staff, parents and District administrators. Dr. White added that a survey on the principal search had been made available to all CHMS staff and 2017-18 families to inform the interview process.

"The survey data helped to highlight what CHMS stakeholders believe to be the most important traits of their building leader. The data also validated the current strengths of CHMS and the great things happening there, as well as a desire to see that work continued," White said in a release. "I am extremely confident Mr. Brown is going to meet the needs of CHMS and maintain the school's strong history of not only academic excellence, but also providing a truly well-rounded educational experience for students. He is passionate about serving in this role, and he has successfully demonstrated to me that he is ready for this position."

According to the release, Dr. White and Brown will be working together to consider candidates for the now-vacant Assistant Principal position.

"Our goal is to complete the hiring process as soon as possible and find the right leadership partner
who can support the strong learning environment at CHMS," White said in a release.

Photo provided by District 181.