District 113A Names New Principal For Oakwood

LEMONT, IL — The Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education has named a new principal for Oakwood School. Kelly Zimmerman, current principal of Covington Elementary School in Oak Lawn, will assume the Oakwood principal position on July 1. The district said Zimmerman previously held the positions of a Curriculum Coordinator, Literacy Coordinator, Early Childhood Development Coordinator, and she has taught kindergarten and preschool.

According to a release, Zimmerman holds a Master of Arts degree in both Early Childhood Education and Educational Administration from the University of Iowa. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Spanish. Zimmerman has presented nationally and at the state and local levels on topics of Literacy, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Program Improvements and Professional Development and Bilingual Education.

"It is both a privilege and an honor to become the new Oakwood principal. I am looking forward to joining the team at School District 113A, and I am excited for the opportunity to work closely with the staff and families to continue to develop and grow a 'world class education' for the students at Oakwood School,” Zimmerman said in a release.

According to a release, during the interview process, staff described Zimmerman as an “experienced, collaborative and resourceful leader with a clear vision,” and someone who is “kind, confident, articulate and proactive with staff, students and parents.” Parents commented that she is a “visible leader” who has a “successful and high level of experience at the primary level” and is someone with “heart, initiative and effective leadership who will focus on what is important.”

"I believe Mrs. Zimmerman will be an exceptional leader for Oakwood School," Superintendent Dr. Courtney Orzel said in a release. "She embodies all of the attributes that we were seeking in a primary principal. She has deep knowledge about the needs of our youngest learners, and she has exceptional experience in the areas of curriculum and effective instructional practices. She has the perfect balance of high standards for the school community coupled with a caring, nurturing and supportive communication style. She understands the primary level needs of students and has a proven track record of success as a principal.”

Zimmerman will begin working with the district's administrators and staff prior to her official July 1 start date. The district said it will publish dates and times for parents and community members to meet the new principal.

Photo provided by Lemont District 113A.