Albert Poole, 79, was a longtime educator and a former school superintendent in Lake Forest.
Mr. Poole died July 31 in his home in Arkansas.
A Flint, Mich. native, Mr. Poole graduated from North Central College in Naperville. He earned a master’s degree and doctorate from Northwestern University.
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After teaching elementary school for several years, Mr. Poole became a school principal in Lake Forest in the mid-1950s. In 1958, he became superintendent of Lake Forest Elementary District 67. He served in that role until 1972.
“He was a dedicated educator who got involved in his work to the nth degree,” recalled his son, Edward. “He loved kids. He loved teaching and he would do whatever it took to help improve education for his students.”
Ed Poole remembered how his father tested proposed changes to school curriculums.
When the district wanted to vary the science curriculum, for instance, Mr. Poole brought home test tubes, chemicals, rocks and other science materials. Then, he set up a science lab on the kitchen counter and tested each experiment to make sure it served as a good learning tool.
“He wanted to make sure the educational experience was a good one, from the largest detail down to the smallest,” his son said.
A World War II veteran, Mr. Poole served in the U.S. Army in a counter intelligence unit, stationed in France and London.
He was a member of the American Association of School Administrators, the Illinois Association of School Administrators, the Lake County Regional Board of School Trustees and the National Society for the Study of Education. He was listed in the Who’s Who in American Education and the Who’s Who in the Midwest.
When he retired from teaching, Mr. Poole served for a short while as a loan officer at the Lake Forest Savings and Loan.
After moving to Arkansas, Mr. Poole became a round dance caller, calling dance steps.
In addition to his son, survivors include his wife, Vivadale; a son, Jeffrey; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service was held Aug. 5 in the First Presbyterian Church in Rogers, Ark.