Brook Forest Principal Appointed

Brook Forest Principal Appointed
The Butler School District 53 Board of Education appointed Dr. Chad Prosen as principal of Brook Forest School at its regular meeting May 8. Prosen is regarded as a passionate, collaborative and strong instructional leader. He is a seasoned administrator, serving as principal of Western Avenue School in Flossmoor, and earlier Medinah Intermediate School and elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago. In those roles, he has worked with faculty, staff and community to develop programs that have been recognized for their innovation, effectiveness and excellence. “Dr. Prosen has provided strong leadership in his roles as principal to ensure every child is successful,” said Superintendent Dr. Heidi Wennstrom. “He is a caring instructional leader and is a very child-centered administrator.” At the center of his work are strong relationships with parents, students, staff and faculty, as well as a goal toward team building and excellence,” she said. Dr. Prosen said he was drawn to Butler School District 53 because of its high expectations for learning, the community’s support of education and the value that everyone places on excellence. “I absolutely love being a principal. Every day is a new opportunity to work with children, parents and teachers. I don’t have to go to work every day, I get to go to school,” he said. Dr. Prosen and his family live in Oak Forest. Dr. Prosen began his career teaching grades 4-8 in Texas, then history at Brother Rice High School in Chicago. He completed his Bachelor’s of Art and Teacher Certificate program from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, a Master’s of Arts in Education Administration from St. Xavier University and his Doctorate in Educational Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Wennstrom said she was pleased with the pool of applicants. The search process involved parents, Brook Forest faculty, administrators, superintendent, and representatives of the Board of Education. The selected candidates were interviewed in a series of interviews in April. Two highly qualified finalists emerged and Prosen was chosen as the top prospect to recommend to the full Board of Education.