New Face at North

Barrington High School’s loss is Downers Grove North’s gain. When the doors open later this month at North for the 2011-2012 school year, a new principal will be at the helm.

Scott Kasik, former associate principal of Barrington High School, will be replacing Maria Ward who served as principal at North for the last six years until retiring in July.

Kasik said he wanted to move into a principal position after serving various roles in high schools throughout the northern Chicagoland area, but looks fondly on his previous jobs in education.

“I’ve felt very fortunate that I’ve loved all of the different roles I’ve had the opportunity to experience," Kasik said. "I love education and working with kids."

Now rolling up his sleeves to take on the role of principal, Kasik said he’ll be afforded the opportunity to become involved with different aspects of school, including working with administrators, teachers and students.

Kasik said he was drawn to North for a number of reasons. For one, he was impressed with the school’s record of academic achievement. In researching the district, Kasik found that it works hard with the learning needs of all students, from struggling learners to high achievers taking AP classes. Kasik said he was also impressed by the school’s strong programming, both in academic areas as well as in extra-curricular.

Kasik is coming from a school and community similar to Downers Grove North and District 99. Aside from Barrington High School being larger, Kasik, a resident of Barrington, said both schools are supported by the community and the demographics of the student population are similar.

Coming into what he sees as an extremely strong school, Kasik said he doesn't see anything that will require urgent attention, which will afford him the opportunity to listen and learn from the community.

“It’s really important to me to develop a good understanding from students, staff and parents, what their concerns and hopes are moving forward," Kasik said.

Kasik also said that a major focus of North has been and will remain staff development. 

“I understand that the most important role in high school, the most important people, are classroom teachers," Kasik said. “I want to make sure that we provide opportunities for the teachers to maximize their effectiveness in the classroom.”