Dear Butler D53 Families and Staff,
The Board of Education held a special meeting on Monday evening to discuss and take action on filling the Brook Forest Elementary School Principal position.
I'm thrilled to share with you that Ms. Andrea Prola has been named the Principal of Brook Forest Elementary School. Ms. Prola joined District 53 in 2017 as the Director of Student Services and most recently served as Principal of Butler Junior High School. Ms. Prola has been instrumental in designing and implementing the district-wide MTSS plan, retaining faculty to build a positive culture and climate, and hosting several parent sessions related to social emotional learning topics between home and school.
About the transition to Brook Forest, Ms. Prola remarked: "I am ready to start a new chapter in my career with students who may be starting school for the first time or they are anxious to transition to Butler Junior High. I want to learn from their own interests, participate in their school day, and create a space for their learning that is beyond all limits." Please join me in congratulating Ms. Prola and officially welcoming her as a Brook Forest Dolphin!
While this opens another administrative opportunity within District 53, I'm equally pleased to announce that the Board of Education assigned Ms. Melissa Zaniewski as Principal of Butler Junior High School. Ms. Zaniewski joined District 53 in 2004 and most recently served as the building's Assistant Principal. Ms. Zaniewski has played a comprehensive role in supporting teachers in curriculum mapping to ensure alignment, designing the master junior high schedule, and planning professional development that supports staff needs.
Ms. Zaniewski commented: "I look forward to increasing my level of involvement in partnering with our parents and community members. I am committed to making sure that we do everything possible to make sure every child knows the following: we care for you, we are so happy you are here, we will cheer you on, and we will support you in whatever ways possible to ensure your success." Please join me in congratulating Ms. Zaniewski on her new role!
As I have previously mentioned, District 53 is fortunate to have such committed, talented administrators on our team and I look forward to supporting Ms. Prola and Ms. Zaniewski in their new roles.
Stay well, be safe!
Dr. Paul O’Malley
Superintendent of Schools