New Assistant Principal Hired for Old Quarry

After going through a pool of 50 applicants, the Board of Education has chosen a new assistant principal for .

The board unanimously approved the hiring of Shirley Kleehammer during its June 28 meeting. She will fill the position of Jan Collins, who retired last month after more than 30 years of service.

Kleehammer has worked in education for 13 years, starting as a substitute teacher before working her way up to become a dean of students in Crete-Monee School District 201-U and finally an assistant principal at Lincoln School in Joliet.

With the experience she has had as both a teacher and as an administrator, Kleehammer said she hopes to be a positive influence for the students.

“As an administrator, I could have an effect on all the students in the school in a positive way,” she said. “My goal is always to create a positive environment for the children at school.”

An expert in Positive Behavior Intervention Systems and curriculum building, Kleehammer brings with her extensive knowledge of how to cooperate and build relationships with the children, parents and staff of the school.

According to Kleehammer, who began working July 1, she jumped at the opportunity and looks forward to working with the students when they return to school next fall.

“Old Quarry is a great school,” she said. “I really thought that it would be a great opportunity to work with this group of students. I feel very welcomed here, the staff has been very welcoming and, so far, it’s been great.”

Old Quarry Principal Bill Caron said Kleehammer was the right choice for the job.

“She is a great addition already to our staff,” Caron said. “She’s only been on the job a couple of days but she has already begun to forge those partnerships and build these relationships that are definitely going to be beneficial for our kids.”

District 113A Supt. Tim Ricker added, “We are glad to have our administrative team solidified for this next school year. With the addition of Mrs. Kleehammer we believe we can build upon the great leadership team of the past to move ahead with our ever-increasing pursuit of a quality education for each child."

Kleehammer said she looks forward to opening the lines of communication with parents and students this fall.

“I look forward to meeting the students,” Kleehammer said. “I look forward to supporting the staff as best as I can in dealing with the challenges that might be had. I want to make this year run as smoothly as possible.”