York Principal Diana Smith Announces Retirement in June 2016

Published September 18, 2015. Submitted by ​Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205.

​After nearly 12 years at the helm of York Community High School, an Elmhurst District 205 veteran is stepping down. Principal Diana Smith has announced her retirement at the conclusion of the 2015-16 school year. During the 2013-14 school year, Ms. Smith notified the District of her intent to retire at the end of her current three-year contract. She is one of the longest-serving principals in the history of York High School.

“It’s been an incredible experience, the best 12 years of my professional life,” said Smith, who is a 1982 graduate of Northern Illinois University. She also received her Master’s in Educational Leadership from North Central College in Naperville and completed her doctoral coursework at Concordia University. “While I look forward to spending more time with my own family and pursuing other professional opportunities, it will be bittersweet to leave York, having enjoyed every single day here working alongside wonderful students, staff, and parents.”

Principal Smith is known for her strong connection to students and staff, and is visible at a myriad of activities showcasing academics, the arts and athletics. She is also known for going the extra mile for kids who needed (and often didn’t have) an advocate and supporting emerging leaders through the York Instructional Advisory Council (department chairs and administrators) and the York Advisory Team, a group of student, staff, and parent leaders.

While Ms. Smith was principal, York experienced many achievement gains, such as the recent high watermark of 24.2 on the ACT and steady improvement in participation and performance in Advanced Placement courses.

Smith joined District 205 in 1996 as a social studies teacher at Sandburg Middle School. In 1999, she was tapped by then York Principal Linda Yonke to become the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at the high school. Dr. Yonke is now the Superintendent at New Trier District 203.

“The District is committed to finding the best person possible to lead York High School and, pending Board approval, will be working with search firm BWP and Associates (which most recently led the D205 superintendent search) to assist in identifying top candidates. We want to begin the search early in order to attract the best candidates possible,” said Superintendent Dr. David Moyer.

“While Ms. Smith was principal, York experienced many achievement gains, such as our recent high water mark of 24.2 on the ACT and improvement in participation and performance in Advanced Placement courses. We appreciate her contributions and thank her for her many years of service. We wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.”