D58 Approves New Pierce Downer Principal

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The Board of Education on March 12 approved the appointment of Justin Sisul as principal of and the appointment of Christine Clavenna as assistant principal at .

Sisul will replace Dr. Lisa Mondale, who is retiring at the end of the 2011-12 school year after nine years at the helm of Pierce Downer.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and parents of the Pierce Downer community as their next principal,” Sisul said. “Pierce Downer has a well-deserved reputation of excellence which is is a product of the hard work of the students, a dedicated and caring staff and their partnerships with equally dedicated and supportive parents. I look forward to getting to know each member of the Pierce Downer family and to our work together in the years to come.”

Sisul started his career with District 58 as a music teacher at in 2001. For the past four years he has served at , first as an administrative intern and most recently as the Assistant Principal. He is also a parent.

“We are confident that with Justin’s experience, his sustained dedication to the District’s mission and his strong desire to work collaboratively in the pursuit of excellence, he will be an outstanding fit and the right leader to carry Pierce Downer forward,” said Superintendent Paul Zaander.

Clavenna will replace Randy Janousek. He is retiring at the end of the 2011-12 school year after more than three decades in District 58, including 20 years as a music teacher and more than 10 as O’Neill’s assistant principal. Clavenna comes from Mokena School District 159, and has two years of administrative experience. Prior to serving as an administrator, she had 10 years of experience as a fifth-grade teacher.

“Christine will be an excellent addition to our team here in District 58,” Zaander said.

Clavenna said she is looking forward to working with the faculty, staff, students and families at O’Neill Middle School.

“I am very excited to be a part of such a strong district as Downers Grove District 58,” she said.