D113A Approves New Assistant Principal For Oakwood

LEMONT, IL — At its board meeting March 23, District 113A approved a new assistant principal for Oakwood Elementary School for the 2020-21 school year. The district said Ryan Talaga will assume the role on July 1.

Talaga is currently a dean at Chelsea Intermediate School in District 157-C in Frankfort. The district said Talaga holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. He has also served as a physical education educator in District 157-C and in District 113A prior to becoming a dean.

"It is an honor and a privilege to join Lemont-Bromberek School District 113A and to be a part of the Oakwood family," Talaga said in a release. "I look forward to serving the families of Oakwood School and building a love for learning alongside an amazing staff. I am thrilled to be a part of such a supportive community, and I can’t wait to welcome the students to school this fall!”

The district said the appointment comes after a rigorous and extensive search process including a candidate pool of over 100 applicants and multiple rounds of interviews.

During the interview process, Talaga was described as "student-centered, energetic, sincere, and invested," as well as someone who is "relatable and ready to positively influence the school culture at Oakwood." His references described him as someone with "strong leadership," and a leader who is "positive, reflective, hardworking and open-minded."

"Mr. Talaga was a standout applicant throughout the entire interview process," said recently hired Oakwood principal, Kate Kwasny. "It was evident that Mr. Talaga’s experience, his compassion for student excellence and dedication to Lemont makes him the perfect addition to the Oakwood family.”

The district will host a meet and greet for parents and staff to meet Talaga prior to the start of the school year.