Joliet Public Schools District 86 Names New Principals

Two new principals have been named in Joliet Public Schools District 86. Beginning July 1, 2023, Ben Meinert will be principal at Woodland Elementary School and Dr. Shawn Olson will take over the leadership role at Carl Sandburg Elementary School.

Mr. Meinert replaces outgoing Woodland principal Kim Gordon who is retiring at the end of June after 33 years in Joliet District 86. He has worked in District 86 for 12 years, including the last two years as Assistant Principal at Thomas Jefferson Elementary. Dr. Olson has over 25 years of educational experience and has served as a mentor administrator within District 86 since November of 2022.

“I’m confident these gentlemen will do great jobs in their new administrative positions.” said Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of Joliet Public Schools District 86, “Their experiences will be valuable as they lead and serve our students, families, and staff at these schools.”

Mr. Meinert graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis.

Dr. Olson has a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University and he earned a Doctor of Education with a Superintendent Endorsement from the University of St. Francis.