Dr. Martha Henrikson Being Recommended For Oak School Principal Position

Dr. Martha Henrikson has been selected to serve as the new principal of Oak School in Community Consolidated School District 181; Henrikson has served as the Assistant Principal of Hinsdale Middle School in District 181 for the last seven years.

Dr. Henrikson will be officially recommended for the position at the District’s next Board meeting on August 25 but will begin her new post starting August 18. She will fill the vacancy of Sean Walsh, who accepted a position as the District’s Director of Learning.

Prior to her administrative experience at Hinsdale Middle School, Dr. Henrikson taught orchestra and general music at the elementary and middle school levels for 17 years. She additionally has three years of collegiate teaching experience at Illinois Wesleyan University and Olivet Nazarene University. She has twice served as Interim Principal for District 181 schools to fill short-term administrative openings, and in previous districts, she served as Summer School Assistant Principal for primary students, a teacher team leader, and co-president of the teachers’ association.

Dr. Henrikson earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Indiana University, and she holds a doctorate (Ph.D.) from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. She has additionally earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from National-Louis University in Evanston.

Superintendent Dr. Don White notes that more than 100 individuals demonstrated some level of interest in this position, and 51 individuals completed the online application process. Three District administrators chose 15 qualified candidates for a second round of screening. “The team’s work and my second review of the 15 applicants resulted in the selection of five candidates who participated in interviews on August 13.” The comprehensive process included an opportunity for the candidates to participate in an interview with Dr. White and Assistant Superintendent of Learning Dr. Kurt Schneider, in addition to an interview with a team that consisted of Oak School parents, Oak School employees, and D181 administrators. The candidates were finally asked to demonstrate their writing skills in response to a prompt.

Dr. White shares, “After the comprehensive review of all applicants and conversations with all who participated in the interview process, it is clear that Dr. Martha Henrikson is a great match for Oak School. She demonstrates a passion for providing servant leadership to all students, parents, and employees at Oak and she also possesses an extremely strong skill set as an instructional leader.” Dr. White further remarks that Dr. Henrikson’s work within the District as the Assistant Principal at HMS has afforded her opportunities to work with many Oak School parents and students who have matriculated to the middle school.

“I am thrilled to become Oak School’s next principal,” Dr. Henrikson shares. “It is an honor to follow Mr. Walsh in this position. Oak is a wonderful school community, with parents and staff members working together to provide a great education for students.”

Dr. Henrikson lives in Skokie with her spouse and their two middle school students.

White notes that no decisions have been made regarding the opening at Hinsdale Middle School. “I know the staff and families of HMS will be sorry to lose such an outstanding leader in their building, but we are fortunate that Dr. Henrikson will continue to serve the students of District 181. I will be working closely with HMS Principal Ruben Peña, HMS Dean Rocky May, and Pupil Services Administrator Sue Waughon to ensure that HMS has the support they need this year.”