THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008

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Euclid's Dubinsky Makes Quick Transitions

By RICHARD MAYER

Journal Reporter

Current Euclid Elementary School interim principal Mitch Dubinsky has gone from teaching, to assistant principal, to interim principal all in a year's time.

Dubinsky, 30, began his career at Euclid on Aug. 1, 2007 as an assistant principal.

Before his hiring with River Trails School Dist. 26, he taught fourth and fifth grade students for six years at Mark Twain School in East Maine School Dist. 63.

He said he chose to come to Dist. 26 because of the district's diversity.

"I found out the school district had a big diverse population and that drew me in," added Dubinsky,

During the 2006-07 school year, Brett Balduf served as assistant principal at both Euclid and Indian Grove schools. When Dubinsky was hired, Balduf stayed at Indian Grove permanently.

Dubinsky was appointed interim principal in March after Maria Martinez, who was resigning June 30, was relieved of her duties due to alleged inappropriate remarks.

The school district has hired Laura Gammons to serve as the school's new principal next year.

However, Dubinsky is trying to take advantage of the opportunity of being principal through the end of the school year. He also said he looks forward to the coming years at Euclid.

"I am looking to change the school climate," said Dubinsky. "This is the time of change. We implemented our reading series this year and we will start our social studies series next year. I am very excited to be part of this district and there is a positive outlook amongst the new faculty."

Dubinsky, a Morton Grove native, attended school in Dist. 63 throughout his childhood years.

"I attended school there and then taught there, so Dist. 26 is my first experience out of Dist. 63," Dubinsky mentioned.

Dubinsky earned a bachelor's in elementary education from Northeastern University; a master's degree in reading with an English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement from Northern Illinois University; and an Administrative Certificate from Concordia University in River Forest.

"The Euclid staff has been supportive," said Dubinsky. "It is a family atmosphere here at Euclid and everyone plays an important role in making the students at Euclid School successful."

Dubinsky said his ultimate goal is to become principal, but he is content with where he currently is.

"I am not looking to go anywhere anytime soon. I am in a wonderful place in Dist. 26."