Highest-Paid Lyons Township High Teachers, Officials

LA GRANGE, IL – Brian Waterman, superintendent of Lyons Township High School since 2021, was the top-paid employee among the school's teachers and administrators in the 2025-26 school year.

Waterman made $314,191.

The second-highest was the director of business services, Brian Stachacz, at $243,201. He started a dozen years ago.

Principal Jennifer Tyrrell, hired as principal upon Waterman's promotion, was fifth on the list, making $224,727, according to a list the school posted online recently.

The highest-paid teacher was Bernard Casella, who also coaches numerous sports. In 11th place, he made $178,830 last year.

Seventy-two teachers shared the same salary of $156,833, sharing the 24th position.

Publishing the list of top salaries has been known to generate much debate in local Facebook comments. Some question whether Patch should post such information.

The following list includes the top 24 highest salaries. The school has nearly 300 teachers and administrators.

Administrators receive retirement enhancements and annuities. For the first time, Patch is including those amounts in the salary totals.

Here are the highest salaries for administrators and teachers in the 2025-26 year (those listed may have since retired or moved to other positions):

1. Brian Waterman
Superintendent
$314,191

2. Brian Stachacz
Director of business services
$243,201

3. John Grundke
Athletic director
$238,292

4. Ed Piotrowski
Director of human resources
$233,668

5. Jennifer Tyrrell
Principal
$224,727

6. Jennifer Rowe
Director of equity and belonging
$209,816

7. Leslie Owens
Director of student services
$209,790

8. Patrice Payne
Director of curriculum and instruction
$207,219

9. Karen Raino
Division chair, language arts
$185,495

10. Greg Gardner
Assistant principal
$182,332

11. Bernard Casella
Teacher
$178,830

12. Paul Labbato
Teacher
$178,825

13. Michael Danner
Teacher
$175,686

14. JoEllen Gregie
Teacher
$169,093

15. Mark Kropke
Teacher
$168,943

16. Ed Tennant
Director of technology
$167,586

17. John Seiple
Teacher
$167,436

18. Mary Rohlicek
Teacher
$166,941

19. Christopher Thomas
Teacher
$164,210

20. Bradley Anderson
Teacher
$162,481

21. Rebecca Rivan
Teacher
$160,861

22. James Mshar
Teacher
$158,639

24. 72 teachers received the same salary: $156,833