Superintendent's Message

I am pleased to be the Superintendent of District 231, a role I assumed on July 1, 2008.  I was named to the position by the School Board after seven years as principal. 
 
This is a very exciting time for our students and staff.  The Illinois State Board of Education has informed us that our Class of 2009 has achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, a requirement of the No Child Left Behind legislation that EPCHS has proudly met for the past five years. 

The Class of 2009 was extremely successful academically, having been awarded over $5 million in scholarships for higher education.  In addition to being enrolled in all Illinois state universities and scores of private Midwestern universities, our graduates will attend the University of Notre Dame, the University of Minnesota, Winona State, Grand Valley State, and many more. In addition, 24 seniors achieved Illinois State Scholar recognition.
 
During their time at EPCHS, many of our students choose to be enrolled in the dual-credit program with Moraine Valley Community College, thereby graduating from high school with several hours of college credit already achieved.  We are proud of our partnership with Moraine Valley and will continue to promote its various programs.

Based on a strategic planning process that included input from staff, students, and community members, we have established three goals to work toward over the next five years:

• Improve the overall perception of the high school through expanded public relations.
• Intensify and expand college/career counseling services for all students.
• Enhance the professional development program for all staff.

With the support of the community, we continue to renovate our facility.  In addition to providing a new computer and updated software for each staff member, the following renovations will be completed as of fall 2009:

• Replacement windows throughout the building
• New HVAC throughout the Learning Resource Center, Board Room and Art and Business wing, PPS Center and District offices
• A new handicapped ramp and door in the front entrance
• Renovations to the women's lavatory adjacent to the gym
• Replacement stair tower doors
• Landscaping throughout the property
• A renovated courtyard
• Repair and resealing of both parking lots
• Environmentally friendly improvement of football/soccer fields
• A new press box for the football stadium
• Asbestos removal in various areas

We are grateful to the dedicated staff, both certified and noncertified members, who work each day to provide a safe, secure, academically challenging, and co-curricular experience for our students.  Our parents demonstrate strong support to all programs, many of them participating in parent organizations such as the PTSA, Music Booster Club, and Athletic Booster Club.  Finally, we are most grateful to our community who is extremely supportive as we strive to maintain an excellent academic institution and a stable, fiscally responsible organization that is the conscientious steward of public funds.