Beloved Former Dist. 123 Sward Principal Lori Gloodt Dies At 60

OAK LAWN, IL — Oak Lawn-Hometown District 123 lost a member of its family. Former principal of Sward Elementary School Lori Gloodt died Oct 3. She was 60.

Mrs. Gloodt served as principal of Sward Elementary School in Dist. 123 from 1991 until she retired in 2017. Her leadership influence helped create a culture of high expectations at Sward School and contributed greatly to numerous Dist. 123 initiatives. Under Mrs. Gloodt’s leadership the Sward School motto of “Accomplishment and Pride” was established. Upon her retirement, she was honored by having a section of Brandt Avenue right outside the school named "Lori Gloodt Way."

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Mrs. Gloodt was a 33-year survivor of breast cancer, despite four separate metastasized reoccurrences during her career as an educator. A resident of Orland Park, Mrs. Gloodt was a faithful Sunday School teacher for 20 years at All Saints Lutheran Church.

“Over a 26-year period in District 123 Mrs. Gloodt was a beloved friend to many, a thoughtful educator, an exceptional teammate, and a well-respected colleague. She brought out the best in others and made a difference in the lives of countless people in various ways,” Supt. Dr. Paul Enderle said.

During her time in Dist. 123, Mrs. Gloodt made the effort to sustain and grow the Sward School PTA in accordance to the National PTA standards. She received the State of Illinois 2012 recognition for achievement based on the most rigorous standards of No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

Mrs. Gloodt was also able to attend the Harvard University Principal Center in Cambridge, Mass. and learn alongside school leaders from around the world. She was celebrated for completing the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Program for Principals and was one of 49 Illinois principals selected to participate in the program, and one of only 10 Illinois principals to complete the program. Only 152 principals nationwide completed the program.

She is survived by her husband Scott and three children. Mrs. Gloodt will be greatly missed.

Visitation will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th Avenue/Wheeler Drive and Harlem Avenue) Orland Park. To uphold safety guidelines, all guests are asked to wear a mask and respect social distancing requirements. A Memorial Service to celebrate Lori's life will take place on Friday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church, 13350 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462 with a visitation prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m.

Due to COVID-19, a live-stream will be available for those who would prefer to view the service from their home on the Friends of All Saints Lutheran Church Group Facebook page.

This press release was produced by the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123. The views expressed here are the author's own.