D113A Board Hires New Principal of Old Quarry Middle School

The Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education has named a new principal for Old Quarry Middle School. Johnny Billingsley, current principal of George Washington Middle School in Lyons, Illinois, will assume the Old Quarry principal position on July 1.

Billingsley previously held the positions of assistant principal and principal for Bloom School District 206 and Harnett and Wake County school districts in North Carolina.

Looking forward to joining the District 113A learning community, Billingsley shared his enthusiasm about middle school education. “I am honored to be selected as the next principal of Old Quarry Middle School. I am looking forward to making positive contributions to the school and community and look forward to meeting the students, faculty and parents. Old Quarry Middle School is a highly successful institution, and I am honored and thankful for the opportunity to serve as the leader of such a high achieving middle school.”

Billingsley holds a Master of Arts degree in curriculum from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at St. Xavier University. Billingsley was named as the West 40 Principal of the Year through the Illinois Principals’ Association in 2015 and led his middle school to be state and nationally recognized as a “School to Watch” in 2013.

The Board of Education approved the appointment of Billingsley on March 25. The appointment follows a rigorous and extensive search process including a candidate pool of over 75 applicants and multiple rounds of interviews with district administrators, middle school staff, parents, the Board of Education, and community leaders. The interview process also included various performance assessments related to a principal’s responsibilities and a site visit.

During the interview process, staff described Billingsley as “a strong leader” who is “experienced, positive, student-focused, enthusiastic, and someone with vision.” Parents and community members also commented that he is a “student advocate” and is “articulate, personable, engaging, well- rounded, inspiring, and forward thinking.”

“I believe Mr. Billingsley will be an exceptional principal for Old Quarry Middle School,” noted Superintendent Dr. Courtney Orzel. “He embodies all of the attributes that we were seeking in a principal and has the qualities that we would expect of our school leaders. He is extremely knowledgeable and understands what it takes to be a school of excellence and has high standards for everyone in the learning community, including himself. He understands the academic, social and emotional needs of middle school students and brings experience, energy, and enthusiasm to the position.”

Billingsley will begin working with the district’s administrators and staff prior to his official July 1 start date. The district will publish dates and times for parents and community members to meet the new principal.