Schools
Dist. 229 Board Appoints New Superintendent for OLCHS
Dr. Shahe Bagdasarian, principal of York Community High School, will assume his new role July 1, replacing the retiring Dr. Michael Riordan.
OAK LAWN, IL — The Oak Lawn Community High School Dist. 229 Board of Education approved the hiring of a new district superintendent during their regular meeting Wednesday evening. Dr. Shahe Bagdasarian will assume his new role July 1 at a salary of $222,000 for the 2023-2024 school year.
Bagdasarian will replace Michael Riordan, who announced his retirement this summer. Riordan spent his career in education at OLCHS, and has served as the Dist. 229 superintendent the past 15 years. Riordan will retire effective June 30, 2023.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Oak Lawn’s superintendent these last 15 years,” said Riordan, who began his OLCHS career in 1992 as a science teacher. “I love the OLCHS community, and I have loved being its school superintendent. OLCHS is a remarkable place to learn, work, and grow. I know the district will continue a successful path led by Dr. Bagdasarian.”
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Bagdasarian began his career in education as a special education teacher in Lansing, Michigan. After relocating to the Chicago area, he taught, coached football, and held numerous educational leadership positions, most recently as the principal of York Community High School in Elmhurst,
He earned a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York, Buffalo State College, as well as a master’s degree and Doctorate from the University of Illinois. Bagdasarian will begin his role as OLCHS superintendent on July 1, 2023.
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“The Oak Lawn Community High School Board of Education is excited to work with Dr. Bagdasarian in his new role,” D229 board president Robert Loehr said in a news release. “Dr. Bagdasarian has the experience and background needed to help the district achieve its future goals and promote academic success.”
Loehr added that Riordan and Bagdasarian will work together over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition.
OLCHS families were sent a survey in July asking for their input in the priorities and desired characteristics in the district’s next superintendent.
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