Top LTHS Job Goes To Familiar Face

LA GRANGE, IL — The principal of Lyons Township High School was promoted Tuesday to the superintendent's job.

The school board approved a four-year contract with Brian Waterman, who has been the school's principal for the last seven years.

Waterman, who starts July 1, is slated to receive $240,000 a year, up from his current $194,000. He is replacing the retiring Tim Kilrea, whose base salary was $302,000.

Waterman has been a school administrator for nearly two decades. Starting in 2003, he was the assistant principal at Westmont High School for two years and then at Glenbard North High School for three years. He was later the principal at Hinsdale South High School in Darien for six years. He began his educational career in 1999 as a business education teacher at Westmont High School.

The pool of candidates for the superintendent's position was narrowed to two dozen applicants, then to seven candidates interviewed, and ultimately, three finalists, according to a school news release. The board described the candidates as "high quality" and "impressive." But it kept the finalists' names secret. While other states require such disclosure, Illinois school boards have a choice.

Waterman received his bachelor's degree in business and master of business administration degree from Eastern Illinois University. He got his master of arts in educational administration from North Central College and doctoral degree in educational leadership and administration from Aurora University.

School board President Tom Cushing praised Waterman.

“Dr. Waterman has proven success as an instructional and visionary leader, strong relationship-building skills, experience in building and sustaining effective teams, and a passion for making a positive difference in student outcomes," Cushing said in the news release. "His hard work as principal and student-centered focus will provide a strong foundation for his leadership and vision as LT's next superintendent. His knowledge of LT and his existing relationships with students, staff and the community will all make for a smooth transition."

In the same release, Waterman said he and his leadership team have worked collaboratively with students, parents, faculty and staff to launch programs to increase student achievement and emphasize equity and access for all students.

“I am excited and honored to be appointed the next superintendent at Lyons Township High School, and I look forward to expanding my role to all facets of the district with a detailed focus and collaborative lens to continuously improve the education and support we provide our students and community," he said.

Superintendent Kilrea announced his retirement in September. He started as the school's human resources director in 2007 and served as superintendent since 2009. He began his more than 35-year career as a history teacher.

Lyons Township has nearly 4,000 students and more than 250 teachers at campuses in La Grange and Western Springs, according to the Illinois Report Card. The card's statistics show that 11 percent of the school's students come from low-income families, less than the statewide average of nearly 50 percent.