Arlington Heights-based Township High School District 214 officials announced “unexpected” administrative changes Monday – including the principal of John Hersey taking medical leave of absence – as the new school year sets to start this week.
Keir Rogers, the current principal of the district’s four Specialized Schools, will take the leadership helm at Hersey “effective immediately,” SD214 officials announced in a news release Monday.
The 2021-2022 academic year starts Wednesday for the nearly 12,00 students of SD214 enrolled across six schools, including Hersey and Buffalo Grove High School.
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New district spokeswoman Stephanie Kim said Hersey Principal Gordon Sisson is taking a medical leave of absence, and will we paid 100% of his salary while out. She did not provide details of the leave, but confirmed that Sisson will be out the entirety of the school year.
Sisson, who came to SD214 from Wisconsin, was named principal of Hersey starting with the 2012-2013 school year. The high school, located in Arlington Heights, has more than 1,900 students enrolled.
“I greatly value Gordie’s leadership these past nine years and wish him the absolute best going forward,” SD214 Superintendent David Schuler said about Sisson in the release.
Rogers joined the district last year after serving since 2008 as principal of River Trails Middle School in Mount Prospect, which is part of River Trails School District 26. Earlier in his career, he served as a principal at various schools across northern Illinois, the SD214 news release states.
Rogers started his career as assistant principal at Auburn High School in Rockford. He has a master’s degree in administration and supervision and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Loyola University in Chicago. Currently, he is working towards his doctorate in education at Concordia University Chicago, the release states.
He had been principal of Life Program, Newcomer School, The Academy at Forest View and Vanguard in SD214.
He could not be immediately reached for comment on the new assignment.
Another leadership switch comes with Valerie Norris moving from a Student Services leader at Elk Grove High School to being named the new principal of Specialize Schools – taking over from Rogers.
Her appointment is pending SD214 school board approval, officials explained.
She could not be immediately reached for comment on the change.
According to the release, Norris served as assistant principal of student services at Elk Grove High School for 15 years and has been at the school since 1999. She began her career as a counselor in Miami, Florida before working as a school counselor. Norris holds degrees in education and counselor education from DePaul University and Florida International University. She additionally holds certifications in administration and special education.
“I know that these leaders are well equipped for the tasks ahead and will ensure a smooth transition. Gordie has provided a high level of leadership for the John Hersey community, and Keir has demonstrated a talent for innovation in his time at the Specialized Schools. Keir and Val will continue these positive trends for students and staff in their new assignments,” Schuler