D230 Board Hires New Sandburg Principal

ORLAND PARK, IL -- A Dist. 230 insider will be Sandburg High School’s new principal, replacing Deb Baker, who will retire at the end of the school year. Jen Tyrrell has filled the role of associate principal of instruction at Stagg High School for the past four years was appointed principal of the Orland Park high school during a special board meeting on Tuesday. The district school board accepted a recommendation to hire Tyrrell.

“District 230 is incredibly grateful for the leadership Deb Baker has provided at each of our high schools since joining the district in 2001,” D230 board president Rick Nogal said. “As an English teacher and then division chair for English, music and ELL at Sandburg, as assistant principal at Andrew, associate principal at Stagg and principal at Sandburg High School, she has left a lasting legacy. We wish her all the best in retirement at the end of this school year.”

Tyrrell comes to Sandburg from Stagg High School in Palos Hills where she has taught, coached and served as an administrator since 2005. She began as a physical education teacher, served as division chair for five years and led as associate principal for instruction for the past four years.

“Jen Tyrrell is a strong leader who will continue to focus on student achievement while leading the Sandburg community,” Nogal said in a news release. “It is clear that she is passionate about the success of each student, each staff member and the overall needs of the school community.”

Tyrrell has provided leadership in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention at the school and district levels. She has also assisted in the hiring and mentoring of staff, led parent and community engagement efforts, planned student recognition initiatives, organized new teacher professional development, facilitated the school improvement process, overseen budgets and served as building technology liaison. She has also served on several district-wide committees including curriculum advisory, evaluation joint committee and ESP job description committee.

“Jen’s knowledge, expertise and compassion are incredible assets,” D230 Superintendent Dr. James M. Gay said. “She is committed to collaboration and teamwork which will serve the Sandburg community well during this transition of leadership. Jen is an amazing leader and one of her greatest strengths is her ability to form positive relationships with students and staff.”

Baker and Tyrrell will work closely over the next several months to assure a smooth transition in leadership.

Tyrrell is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from Loyola University. She holds a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership from Lewis University, as well as a master of science degree in kinesiology-sport management and a bachelor of science in physical education, both from Western Illinois University.

Photo: Jen Tyrrell | Dist. 230