Lake Forest High School Launches Search For New Principal

LAKE FOREST, IL — With last week's announcement that Principal Chala Holland is departing when her contract expires at the end of June, Lake Forest Community High School District 115 officials are now searching for both a new superintendent and a new principal.

Superintendent Mike Simeck is also departing the district to take a job at neighboring Deerfield School District 109. Because his resignation is effective at the end of the month, the district hired Interim Superintendent Constance Collins to lead the district for the next four months.

Holland, who in January was named Lake Region High School Principal of the Year, is leaving this summer to become assistant superintendent of administrative services for Naperville Community Unit School District 203.

“I am grateful for the six years I have spent serving as Principal, the meaningful and impactful work we have engaged in together, and the many relationships that I will value forever,” Holland said last week in a statement announcing her departure.

A job listing for the next LFHS principal was posted Tuesday. The job "requires an experienced leader with an extensive teaching and learning background, a record of significant accomplishment," including the ability to motivate and empower staff and students, lead instructional improvements and collaborate effectively, according to the listing.

A survey will be open Monday and be available through April 5 for students, staff, parents and community members to offer feedback about what kind of principal they would like to see as Holland's successor.

Related:
Lake Forest Schools Hire Interim Superintendent For Next 4 Months
Interim Superintendent Contract Before Lake Forest School Boards
Districts 67, 115 Begin Search For New Superintendent
Simeck Resigns As Lake Forest Schools Chief

Simeck signed a five-year contract with District 109 with an initial base salary of nearly $320,000 plus benefits. His total compensation at Lake Forest, where he was chief of both District 67 and District 115, was about $291,000 in the most recent compensation report posted by the district.

The details of Holland's new contract in Naperville were not immediately available. The listing seeking her successor promises "highly competitive salary and benefits."

Simeck announced Holland's resignation with "mixed emotions" in a message to the community.

"While we are deeply disappointed that Dr. Holland is leaving, she will be remembered in our District for her unwavering commitment to LFHS staff, students, and the school community," the superintendent said. "We wish her much success in her future endeavors and are better for her leadership."

Finalists in the joint District 67 and District 115 superintendent search to succeed Simeck are scheduled to appear at an online community forum March 30, to be broadcast live on YouTube.

Interviews to narrow the field of candidates to follow Holland as LFHS principal are scheduled for mid-April, with plans to present a recommendation to the District 115 board for approval on May 10.

Holland is set to remain on the job until starting as assistant superintendent in Naperville on July 1.

“I have every intention of staying fully engaged and committed to a strong finish this school year, preparing for the 2021-2022 school year,” she said, "and supporting the transition of new leadership."