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Dist. 54 Appoints 3 Principals, Literacy Director


Schaumburg Township School Dist. 54 announced the appointment of three new principals and a new literacy director. These individuals were approved by the Dist. 54 school board at its Thursday, Dec. 13 meeting.

Megan Ankrom, Fairview Principal

Megan Ankrom will become the new principal at Fairview Elementary School in Hoffman Estates, replacing Judy Gurga who is retiring in June 2019.

Ankrom has been the assistant principal at Blackwell Elementary School and Hoover Math and Science Academy since 2015. She served as interim principal at Hoover from January through June 2018. Ankrom began her career in District 54 in 2009 as a first- and second-grade teacher at MacArthur International Spanish Academy. She has also taught third- and fourth-grade students and worked as a math instructional coach in District 54.

“I am lucky to work in a district where our families show incredible support for their child’s learning and have enjoyed building relationships with the students and their families,” Ankrom said. “I am excited to begin working with the Fairview students, staff and parents and to be a part of all the things that make Fairview such a wonderful place to work and learn. I am thankful to the Fairview community for welcoming me and it is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as their principal.”

Ankrom has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in leadership and administration from Concordia University.

Sonia Esquivel, MacArthur Principal

Sonia Esquivel will become the principal at MacArthur International Spanish Academy in Hoffman Estates, where she has been serving as interim principal since June 2018. Esquivel was originally hired by District 54 in 2011 as a fourth-grade dual language teacher at MacArthur. She has also served as a math and literacy acceleration teacher, as a bilingual instructional coach, and as the assistant principal at Enders-Salk and MacArthur.

“From the beginning, MacArthur has felt like a special place,” Esquivel said. “I am truly humbled by the opportunity to continue serving the MacArthur community as principal. It is an honor to work with such a dedicated staff, students and parents who are all invested in ensuring the success of our students.”

Esquivel has a bachelor’s degree in elementary/bilingual education from Northeastern Illinois University, a master’s degree in science education from DePaul University and a master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University.

Kari Frederick, Nerge Principal

Kari Frederick will become the new principal at Nerge Elementary School in Roselle, replacing Kelly Dvoracek who is retiring in June 2019.

Frederick is currently the assistant principal at Aldrin and Fairview elementary schools. She began her career in District 54 in 2004 as a special education teacher at Nerge and Fairview. She has also worked as a literacy coach at Nerge and Fox.

“It gives me great pride to be a part the District 54 community as a leader, educator and alumni,” Frederick said. “Nerge holds a very special place in my heart, for it is where my career as a teacher first began 15 years ago. I am looking forward to partnering with the dedicated staff and supportive families of Nerge School to ensure the success of all our students.”

Frederick has a bachelor’s degree in special education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a master’s degree in instructional leadership from University of Illinois at Chicago, and a master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University.

Cassie Zingler, Director of Literacy

Cassie Zingler will become the director of literacy for District 54. She will fill a vacancy created when Julie Gorvett became the Early Learning Center principal.

Zingler is currently a literacy instructional coach for District 54. She was hired by District 54 in 2004 as a third-grade teacher at Link Elementary School, and has also taught third- and fourth-grade students at Collins Elementary School.

“I am grateful and honored to have this opportunity to serve as the director of literacy for our wonderful District 54 community,” Zingler said. “I am proud to call District 54 home where I have served our dedicated staff and students since the start of my career as an educator. With my new role, I look forward to contributing to the continued success of our students.”

Zingler has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in language and literacy from National Louis University.

These appointments take effect July 1, 2019.

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