NORTHBROOK, IL — When Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 students return to class Wednesday, Aug. 19, Wescott School families will begin the year with a new principal and the district will have a new administrator overseeing teaching and learning.
Dr. Tony Candela officially became Wescott School principal July 1 after the District 30 Board of Education approved his appointment in December. Patch first reported his hiring in January, when Candela was still serving as principal of Indian Trail Elementary School in North Shore School District 112.
RELATED: New Principal Named For Wescott School In Northbrook
Candela will lead Wescott, which serves nearly 500 kindergarten-through-fifth-grade students and has almost 90 teachers and staff members.
"Over the past several weeks, I've had the opportunity to work alongside our administrative team, staff, and PTO leaders to prepare for a wonderful school year," Candela said. "I'm excited to finally welcome our students and families on August 19, build strong relationships, and help create a school where every child feels supported and inspired to grow."
Candela joins District 30 with 16 years in education, including eight years in administration.
Before coming to Wescott, he served as principal of Indian Trail Elementary School in District 112, which includes Highland Park, Highwood and Fort Sheridan. Patch previously reported that Candela also served as associate principal and principal of Edgewood Middle School and spent eight years as a special education teacher at Elm Place and Edgewood.
During his time in District 112, Candela helped oversee the renovation, relocation and reopening of Indian Trail Elementary and Edgewood Middle schools. He also chaired curriculum adoptions in mathematics and English language arts and helped develop a districtwide teacher-evaluation model, according to District 30.
The district said Candela was selected following a search process that included feedback from parents, staff and students.
"I am honored to join Wescott and help build on the school's strong foundation and exceptional achievements," Candela said when his appointment was announced. "I look forward to partnering with Wescott's staff, students, and families to sustain successful practices and traditions while striving to achieve continuous improvement."
Candela is not the only new administrator beginning the school year in District 30.
Katherine Kelly has joined the district as director of teaching and learning, overseeing curriculum development across Wescott School, Willowbrook School in Glenview and Maple School.
"It has been exciting to collaborate with staff throughout the summer as we prepare innovative learning experiences for our students, and I can't wait to meet our District 30 families as they arrive to start a wonderful school year on August 19," Kelly said.
Kelly most recently served as principal of Lions Park School in Mount Prospect.
She formerly worked as both principal and assistant principal at Field School in Park Ridge-Niles Community Consolidated School District 64 and taught at Roosevelt School in the same district. Earlier in her career, she taught at Southeast School in Evergreen Park School District 124.
District 30 said Kelly was also chosen after a search process that included staff input.
District 30 Superintendent Dr. Emily K. Tammaru said both administrators bring experience that should benefit students and staff.
"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Candela and Ms. Kelly to the District 30 leadership team this fall," Tammaru said. "They bring exceptional expertise and a shared commitment to public education that will enrich the learning experience for our students and strengthen support for our staff."
When Candela's appointment was announced, Tammaru described him as a leader with experience managing complex changes while maintaining stability.
"He possesses the precise blend of instructional expertise, operational acumen, and relational leadership our community desires," Tammaru said at the time.
District 30 students in grades 1-8 begin classes Aug. 19, with preschool and kindergarten students beginning Aug. 20.
RELATED: Back To School In Northbrook — Important Dates For 2026-27
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Northbrook Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.