Oakwood Principal Leaving At End Of School Year

LEMONT, IL — Oakwood Principal Kelly Zimmerman will be leaving her position at the end of the 2019-20 school year. The district said Zimmerman has accepted an assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction position in another district.

"We are sad to see Mrs. Zimmerman leave Oakwood, but we are excited for this next important step in her career journey. Curriculum and instruction has always been Mrs. Zimmerman's passion, and we are grateful for the time that she has given her knowledge and expertise to both Oakwood and the SD113A community and wish her the best in her new position," Superintendent Courtney Orzel said in a release.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share that I am leaving my post as principal of Oakwood School at the end of the current school year," Zimmerman said. "I am grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by the SD113A school board, Dr. Orzel, and the Oakwood School community for the past three years. This experience has taught me many lessons that I will carry forward in my professional journey. I would like to thank the staff and parents who worked alongside me during this time. It has been wonderful to take part in a small portion of their children’s lives and educational journey and for that, I will always be grateful. As a member of the Lemont community, I look forward to seeing the great things that lie ahead for SD113A and the OW BEARS!"

The district said the board will be promoting current Oakwood Assistant Principal Kate Kwasny, starting July 1.

"Ms. Kwasny brings energy, experience and excellent communication skills to the principalship at Oakwood," board president Damon Ascolani said in a release. "She will continue to connect well with our youngest learners and their families and will provide the necessary stability at Oakwood while continuing to take the building to the next level. We are excited to have her become the principal next year.”

Kwasny said she is "beyond thrilled" to become the new principal.

"Throughout the past year, I have been fortunate to work with and learn from the amazing staff members and students. I cannot wait to see all we can achieve together in the upcoming school year. Go Bears!”

The district said it will hire a new assistant principal for Oakwood in the next few months.