New Principal Hired At Flossmoor D161's Western Avenue School

FLOSSMOOR, IL — The Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education has hired its next principal of Western Avenue School.

Mario Ford, assistant principal at Parker Junior High, has been appointed as the new principal at Western Avenue School. Out of an initial pool of 65 candidates, the stakeholder committee, comprising 20 individuals including teachers, parents, administrators, and School Board members, interviewed seven applicants in Round 1 before proceeding with the top two candidates for Round 2. Ford was unanimously approved at the Board of Education meeting on June 9.

Principal responsibilities include leading the overall functions of the building, including evaluating teachers, instructional improvements, communicating with families, supervising students, organizing events, and managing daily routines and procedures. The principals in District 161 promote the educational well-being of our students and support the District’s academic and behavioral expectations.

"I am excited for Mr. Ford to join Western Avenue School," said Superintendent Dr. Dana Smith. "He is a strong leader who will make a positive impact on the school community because of his commitment to children and his high expectations for the performance of the school."

Ford brings two years of administrative experience as an Assistant Principal at Parker Junior High, one year as a dean of Culture, and multiple years teaching ELA, elementary school, and coaching basketball. Ford believes that his varied experiences have prepared him for the role as leader of Western Avenue School. Ford received his Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Jacksonville State University and his Master of Arts in Teaching, Middle Level Education from National Louis University. He is currently completing a Doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Ford is looking forward to getting to know the students, staff, and families of Western Avenue School.

"As President of the Board of Education, I am proud to welcome Mr. Ford to Western Avenue Elementary School," said Board President David Linnear. "His vision, experience, and passion for equity and excellence align with the values of our district. We are confident he will be a strong and inspiring leader for our students, families, and staff."