Hannah Beardsley Middle School To Get New Principal

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A new principal will be taking the reins at Hannah Beardsley Middle School in Crystal Lake next school year.

On Feb. 21, the District 47 school board approved the hiring of Carrie Coats, the current principal at Gavin Central District 37 in Ingleside, as the local middle school's new principal. Coats will take the place of outgoing principal Cathy Alberth, who is set to retire at the end of this school year, according to a news release from District 47.

Coats will start in her new position on July 1.

"I am very humbled and honored to be selected to be the next principal of Hannah Beardsley and to join this excellent school community," Coats said. "I can assure you that I share in this school’s dedication to caring for our students every day while providing them with a meaningful learning environment. I am excited to bring my experience, openness to learn, and child-centered approach to support both staff and students and look forward to meeting and learning more about all members of the Hannah Beardsley community."

Coats’ career in education spans 20 years. She is currently serving her third year as principal of Gavin Central District 37 in Ingleside, and prior to that, she was assistant principal for Big Hollow Middle School District 38, which is also in Ingleside, for 3.5 years.

In the 16 years leading up to her positions in administration, Coats served as a 5th grade teacher at Big Hollow, a 6th grade teacher in Illinois School District U-46, and a multiage special education teacher at McHenry School District 15. She was also a director and kindergarten team lead at a parochial school in McHenry, according to the news release.

In her tenure in school administration, Coats has played an instrumental role in building a positive culture and climate, facilitating the school improvement planning process, creating professional development opportunities for staff and collaborating with staff to enhance curriculum for students.
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Coats to our leadership team,” said Kathy Hinz, superintendent for District 47. “Her knowledge and experience with curriculum in conjunction with her collaborative focus and desire to engage all stakeholders in the educational process will be an asset to Hannah Beardsley.”