A pair of assistant principals in East Maine School District 63 will step into principal roles next school year, with their appointments approved earlier this month by the school board.
Sarah Ezzat, the current assistant principal at the district’s Nelson Elementary School, will take the helm of Mark Twain Elementary School in Niles when Howard Sussman retires at the end of the current academic year. Ezzat has been assistant principal at Nelson since 2022, according to a news release announcing the promotions.
Also appointed principal is Brian Gariti, who started in the district in 2018 as the assistant principal at Gemini Middle School. He is currently the assistant principal at Apollo Elementary School but will take over leadership of Melzer Elementary School in Niles. The elementary school’s current principal, Angela Maki, is exiting the district for a role at another one, the release explains.
“Both Ms. Ezzat and Mr. Gariti have a solid history with the District,” Superintendent Shawn Schleizer stated.
Both appointments were approved by the District 63 board at its Feb. 5 meeting. They will officially start in the new roles as of July 1.
According to the release, Ezzat came to District 63 from Baltimore City Public Schools where she was a teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal. Ezzat has a bachelor’s degree in communications/social influence from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in education, administration, and supervision from Johns Hopkins University.
Ezzat is currently working toward a doctorate in educational leadership from National Louis University.
“Throughout her career, Ms. Ezzat has demonstrated a highly informed, consistent, positive, and child- centered approach to leadership. Her diverse experiential background, integrity, and instructional leadership make her a tremendous asset for Mark Twain,” Schleizer stated.
Gariti was a fifth grade teacher in Mount Prospect-based River Trails School District 26 before arriving at District 63. His educator experience includes roles as a reading instructional aide and a special education aide, the release explains. He has a bachelor’s degree in English from Northern Illinois University, a master’s degree in teaching from Concordia University and a master’s degree in leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.
“And, since Mr. Gariti has been a part of our District he has demonstrated a positive, people-oriented approach to leadership – which he will bring to Melzer. He is known for building strong, trusting relationships with students and families and for his unwavering commitment to academic success within his ‘whole child’ approach to educating children,” the superintendent stated.
Des Plaines-based District 63 has about 3,700 students enrolled in pre-K to eighth grade across six schools and an early childhood center. The district serves the towns of Des Plaines, Niles, Glenview, Park Ridge and Morton Grove.