District 36 Promotes Principal To Assistant Superintendent

From Winnetka Public Schools: At the School Board meeting on February 26, 2019, the School Board unanimously approved current Skokie School Principal, Ms. Kelly Tess, to assume the role of Assistant Superintendent of Professional Learning and Human Resources on July 1, 2019. Retiring Assistant Superintendent Dr. Daniel Ryan will work with Ms. Tess to ensure a seamless transition process. The District will immediately commence a search for a new Principal for The Skokie School.

After conducting a comprehensive search process that began in November 2018, Ms. Tess emerged as the lead candidate. As Assistant Superintendent of Professional Learning and Human Resources, Tess’ responsibilities will include overseeing the Human Resources needs of District staff members, fostering professional growth--including partnering with the WEA on implementing the Winnetka University platform, facilitating staff evaluations, and executing a strategic leadership development plan for recruiting and retaining high-quality candidates for District positions. “During her tenure at The Skokie School, Ms. Tess has fostered a student-centered environment, deeply committed to growth and innovation that is rooted in progressive education,” notes Dr. Trisha Kocanda, Superintendent. “Ms. Tess has demonstrated consistent and effective leadership as well as a passion for teacher recruitment and development. Her commitment to human resources leadership was evidenced in the selection process. We are also proud to be promoting leadership from within the The Winnetka Public Schools.”

“Thank you to the students, staff, and parents at The Skokie School. I am proud of all that we have accomplished together over the past five years. While it is bittersweet to step away from my position at Skokie, I am sincerely honored to have the opportunity to serve our school community in this new leadership role,” says Ms. Tess.

Kelly Tess / District 36