Western Springs School Leader To Retire In 2024

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – The superintendent of Western Springs School District 101 plans to step down in two years.

Superintendent Brian Barnhart has been at the helm since 2002. He is set to retire June 30, 2024.

Taking his place is Assistant Superintendent Sarah Coffey, the district announced Friday. She has signed a five-year contract with the district.

According to a news release, the district will remain "a place where children thrive" under Coffey's leadership.

Coffey started her career at District 101 in 1999 as an English language arts teacher at McClure Junior High. She became the school's assistant principal in 2005.

She was Laidlaw Elementary's principal from 2009 to 2013. She then became assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

At Laidlaw, she cultivated a strong sense of community among students, staff and parents and focused on academic excellence through research-based instructional practices, according to the news release.

As assistant superintendent, Coffey is credited with leading the district through the development of a rigorous curriculum across all content areas. She also implemented standards-based grading in the district's elementary schools, according to the release.

Coffey is known for her "Coffee with Coffey" events.

The district serves about 1,500 students.