Cherokee Principal to Depart for Wilmette

Kelly Jackson is back in the Wilmette School District 39 fold, officially being hired as the next principal of both Highcrest Middle School and Wilmette Junior High Monday, superintendent Raymond Lechner announced.

Jackson, who previously served as a teacher and assistant principal at Wilmette Junior High until 2013, will replace Dave Palzet, who is leaving for a superintendent position at Pleasantdale District 107, on July 1.

“We are so pleased to have Kelly back in District 39 and now taking the helm of the same 5th-8th grade leadership model that she was instrumental in launching,” said Lechner. “After being an outstanding teacher, Kelly’s strong administrative abilities were evident when she became Assistant Principal at WJHS in 2009. She was clearly destined to be a Principal, and we were proud of her promotion to Lake Forest. Now we are truly fortunate to have Kelly back in Wilmette.”

For the last two years, Jackson has been principal of Cherokee Elementary School in Lake Forest District 67.

Jackson first joined District 39 in 2001, serving first as Spanish Teacher at Romona, Highcrest, and World Language/Curriculum Coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Calvin College and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University.

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Palzet Leaving District 39 for Superintendent Post