District 230 approves new hires

Director of Personnel and Recruitment

Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. James Robinette as the new Director of Personnel and Recruitment beginning July 1. Robinette has served as the Director of Human Resources and Public Relations at School District 160 for the past year. Previously, he was principal at Congress Park School in LaGrange and Barbour Two-Way Language Immersion in Rockford.

The Director of Personnel and Recruitment is a new position at District 230 and will manage long-term leaves and benefits, while playing a significant role in personnel recruitment and retention, as well as take a lead role in investigations. Focusing on hiring practices and mentoring programs will also be key responsibilities of this new position. Superintendent Dr. Robert Nolting and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Julia Wheaton are excited at the prospect of Dr. Robinette joining the District 230 and HR leadership teams and assisting administrators with employee recruitment and retention.

Robinette says, “I am extremely excited to be part of one of the premier high school districts not only in Illinois but also the country. The reputation of academic success for the students and the extremely high percentage of teacher retention speaks for itself. I am looking forward to working with an experienced district level cabinet to continue the wonderful things that are happening in D230!”

Robinette received a bachelor’s degree in Education from Northeastern Illinois University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership also from Northeastern Illinois University, as well as a second master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with ESL endorsement from Concordia University. He earned a doctorate from Aurora University and he is in the process of earning Chief School Business Official credentials from Northern Illinois University.

He recently completed the Professional Human Capital Leader in Education (pHCLE) certification which has allowed him to dig deeper into human resources and gain a better understanding of what it takes to be an effective human resource manager. He adds that creating systems and systematic approaches to human resource processes helped develop a positive workplace culture and climate for the entire district.

English Learner (EL) Coordinator
The District 230 Board of Education also approved the hiring of Amanda Kelly as the English Learner (EL) Coordinator at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, beginning July 1. A District 230 alumna, she has more than 20 years of education experience working with diverse students, including multilingual learners at the high school level.
Kelly began her teaching career working with middle school students at Chicago Public Schools. Then, she taught high school for 11 years at Community High School District 218 and currently oversees the EL Department and Title grants at Kirby District 140.

Having grown up in a bilingual household, Kelly has a strong connection with non-native English speakers. She is skilled in differentiation and stands by research of best educational practices for all students.

Kelly said, “I am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to work with the staff and community of Stagg High School in my new role as the EL Coordinator. As a graduate of District D230 (Andrew), I am excited to be part of the community where I grew up and where my children attend. Working with multilingual students has always been a passion of mine.”

"We are thrilled to have Amanda join our team at Stagg. Her passion for working with EL students and department teachers is palpable and is only matched by her extensive knowledge of EL programming and best practices in multilingual instruction," said Director of Special Programs Charles Ovando.

She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in instructional design, focusing on how multilingual learners acquire knowledge in and out of the classroom. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Governors State University, a master’s degree in Reading Education from St. Xavier University and ELL and Administration and Leadership endorsements from National Louis University.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator
Coordinator of Career and Technical Education Kate Hendrix Foster was also recently approved by the District 230 Board of Education.

Foster joins District 230 from Lake Park High School in Roselle, where she serves as Assistant Principal for Student Development. Previously, she served as a college counselor and administrator of the College & Career Academies at Proviso West, where she led the development of the $1.5 million + CTE Advanced Manufacturing Lab from conception to design.

Foster said, “I am so excited to join the D230 team as the CTE Coordinator! I have over 10 years of experience partnering with students to pursue their desired college and career path as a counselor and administrator. I am a passionate advocate for all students and work diligently to ensure they have rich college and career exploration opportunities in high school so they can transition into their postsecondary path with confidence.”

Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Katie McMillan said, “Kate’s experience will help give CTE a districtwide focus and elevate the work that has already been done. I am very excited for our District 230 community and students.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a Speech and Theatre endorsement and a master’s degree in School Counseling from Missouri State University, a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, and is currently working on her dissertation for a doctorate from Aurora University.
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