At the end of the school year, Dominic Manola will move from heading one of Leyden Township High School District 212’s schools to leading the district’s curriculum and instruction team.
Manola is currently principal of East Leyden High School, in Franklin Park, but will be assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for the two-school district as of July 1, after the school board approved the move, according to a SD212 news release.
He steps into the role left vacant by Brian Mahoney, who is transitioning to assistant superintendent of human resources. Officials stated in the release that the district will look to hire a new East Leyden principal by mid-April.
“Dr. Manola has a deep and diverse knowledge of Leyden, having served in many roles during his time here,” SD212 Superintendent Nick Polyak stated in the release.
According to the release, Manola has 10 years of service at Leyden, including roles as principal, activities director, social studies teacher and director of community outreach.
The district includes West Leyden High School, in Northlake, and enrolls some 3,494 students. SD212 also employs more than 230 full-time equivalent teachers.
Manola was previously at Lake Park High School where he had stints as principal, assistant principal and director of student activities, according to the release.
“He also has extensive credentials in and passion for curriculum and instruction. I am excited to see him continue the momentum that is already happening here at Leyden,” Polyak said about Manola in the release.
In addition to his work at SD212, Manola is an adjunct professor at both National Louis University and Olivet Nazarene University. He teaches graduate level courses in curriculum and instruction and educational leadership, and he serves as a dissertation committee co-chair, the release explains.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in social studies and secondary education from Benedictine University and has two master’s degrees from Olivet Nazarene University in School Improvement Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction. He earned his doctorate from National Louis University.
As assistant superintendent, Manola will lead the district’s teaching and learning “in alignment with the priorities set forth by the Leyden Board of Education and the Illinois State Board of Education.” The release explains that his responsibilities will include collaborating closely with department chairs and teachers in supporting district goals, directing professional learning and development and focusing on school improvement priorities and areas of focus.
“People often ask what I love about Leyden, and my answer always remains the same; Leyden is an incredible place,” Manola stated in the release. “Our students, our staff, and our families are amazing! Leyden is foundational to who I am as an educator and leader, and I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to give back to our community in this new role.”