Stagg Principal Earns Illinois Principals Association South Cook Award of Excellence

Stagg High School Principal Eric Olsen was selected by his peers in the Illinois Principals Association for the South Cook Award of Excellence. He now moves on to statewide competition for the Horace Mann/IPA Award of Excellence.

The award annually recognizes outstanding high school leaders who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. The principals have made exemplary contributions to the profession and are acknowledged by their peers. The program honors high school principals who demonstrates positive impact on education and advocacy for children, ensures the school climate is positive and reflects high staff and student morale, demonstrates creativity and imagination in bringing about positive change, willingness to take risks to improve student learning, moves actively to implement the goals and objectives of the school, works collaboratively with teachers and other staff to improve the educational program and student achievement, anticipates emerging problems and acts effectively to resolve them and Involves the community in the life of the school and uses community resources for students.

Olsen began his career in District 230 in 2005 as Associate Principal of Instruction at Stagg High School. In 2007 he was named Principal and has served in this capacity since. Before coming to District 230 Olsen served as an assistant principal, dean of students, and language arts teacher. During his career he has had the opportunity to teach students from kindergarten to high school in a number of capacities. Olsen earned his Bachelors in Education from University of Wisconsin at Whitewater and a Masters in School Administration from Governors State University.

Photo: District 230 School Board Member Melissa Gracias congratulates Stagg High School Principal Eric Olsen on receiving the South Cook Illinois Principals Association Award of Excellence along with Superintendent Dr. James M. Gay, Board Member Kate Murphy Peterson and Board President Richard Nogal.