Janice Schwarze will serve as the principal of Downers Grove North High School starting with the 2016-17 school year
Janice Schwarze will serve as the next principal of Downers Grove North High School starting with the 2016-17 school year. The Board of Education approved her appointment on February 22, 2016. Schwarze will take over for Scott Kasik, who is retiring after serving five years as principal and thirty-seven years in education.
“Janice is knowledgeable, energetic and most importantly, cares about every student,” says Kasik. “I respect her abilities and passion to help students succeed and know she’ll make a fine leader.”
Schwarze has worked for District 99 since 2007. She joined the district as the chair of the English department at Downers Grove South High, where she hired, mentored and evaluated teachers, developed curriculum and led the literacy coaching program. She also served as a key leader in the district’s adoption of the new English and Language Arts standards. In 2013, she was selected as North High’s associate principal for curriculum and instruction, leading all curriculum, instruction and assessment initiatives at the school.
“Janice is a proven instructional leader and someone who has significant teaching experience, so she understands the needs of both students and teachers,” says Board of Education President Dr. Nancy Kupka. “My fellow board members and I are confident that she’s the right and clear choice to lead North High well into the future.”
Prior to joining District 99, Schwarze was an English teacher at Glenbard East High School for 20 years. She holds a B.A. in teaching of English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.A. in English from Northwestern University. She lives in Carol Stream with her husband Jeff; they have two children: Brian (23) and Katie (20).
District 99 conducted an extensive search and interview process to fill the principal post. Schwarze received positive reviews from staff members, students, parents and building leaders who were involved in the team interview process.
Dr. Hank Thiele, the incoming District 99 superintendent, led the search process and recommended Schwarze to the Board of Education. “Janice is a highly regarded leader both inside of District 99 and by educators outside of the district,” says Thiele. “Her educational expertise, focus on students, and commitment to Downers Grove North make Janice the perfect fit as the next principal.”
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity and privilege to serve North High’s students as their principal next year,” says Schwarze. “I look forward to working with everyone in this supportive and close community.”
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