IL's 1st Arab-American Public High School Principal Is In D230

TINLEY PARK, IL — Andrew High School is making history. Consolidated High School District 230 has announced current Andrew Vice Principal, Abir Othman, to be the next principal of the school. Othman will be the first Arab American Public High School Principal in the state of Illinois.

On July 1, the D230 School Board unanimously approved hiring Othman as Principal of Andrew High School, after the promotion of Dr. Robert Nolting to the role of Superintendent, set to begin on July 1, 2021.

“Abir is a strong and compassionate leader who will continue to focus on student achievement while leading the Andrew community,” said School Board President Tony Serratore. “It is clear that she is passionate about the success of each student, each staff member, and the overall needs of the school community. Her leadership embodies empathy and compassion, truly listening, fostering strong relationships, celebrating student and teacher successes, and being a resource for students, teachers, parents, and administrators. All of these traits make her an exceptional school leader.”

Othman received the Illinois Principals Association Assistant Principal of the Year award earlier this year. The district said she received the recognition as a compassionate, solution-focused, and inspiring leader at Andrew High School.

The soon-to-be principal has been an educator for 23 years, working 18 in D230. She currently serves as Associate Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Andrew High School. She previously served as Associate Principal of Student Services at Andrew High School, Head Dean of Students at Stagg High School and Dean of Students at Andrew High School. Prior to joining District 230 in 2003, she was an English teacher, academic advisor and administrator at Universal School in Bridgeview.

“Abir can be found mentoring students and staff, developing and implementing curriculum, and modeling what it means to care about the experiences, needs, and dreams of each person in the school community,” said District 230 Superintendent Dr. James M. Gay. “She is a champion for all students as she cultivates opportunities for them to find their true gifts and contribute them to the school community and the greater world.”

Othman immigrated to the United States with her family as an elementary school student. D230 said from that experience she found her true calling to help others as she chronicled in this video celebrating District 230 stories. Bilingual in English and Arabic, Othman is a visionary, innovative, creative and strategic thinker who strives to prepare each student to fulfill their dreams, according to the district.

"Abir has a remarkable personal story," Nolting said. "But she is the new VJA Principal due to her incredible belief in the capacity and potential of all students, staff, and parents to reach their personal and collective best. She has outlined an impressive vision for VJA and I know that her collaborative spirit is something our students, staff, and community will be proud of. I am excited to see her ascend to a position she has worked remarkably hard to achieve. The VJA community should know that we have secured one of the finest, in-demand, educators within our state as VJA’s next leader."

Othman said she is honored and humbled by this "dream come true."

"Being at Andrew is not a job, it is a way of life. I take a lot of pride in serving the Andrew community and cherish the strong relationships with students, teachers, parents, and all stakeholders," Othman said. "We have an outstanding school that can only continue to become an exemplar for the entire state."

Many positive responses were shared online from various organizations, including the Prayer Center of Orland Park.

"I promise to work diligently for all students regardless of their background by providing them equitable learning opportunities," Othman said. "My aim is to continue to advance the legacy of high expectations, success, and family that encapsulates the culture and climate at Andrew High School. As a true collaborator, I also believe in the strengths of our staff and know that we can collectively achieve and surpass expectations for our school. I will continue to lead with my heart and soul daily as I enhance experiences for those around me. Given my innate commitment to District 230’s core values, I will bring all stakeholders together as we embrace and overcome whatever challenges we encounter."

Othman is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with Superintendent Endorsement from the University of St. Francis. She earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lewis University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Teaching Certificate from Governors State University.

When it comes to being the first Arab American Public High School Principal in the state of Illinois, Othman hopes to encourage other Arab Americans and ethnic minorities to follow their dreams.

On Twitter, Othman shared a post saying her outfit choice for the announcement was inspired by Nujoud Fahoum Merancy, NASA's Chief of Exploration Mission Planning Office. Merancy went viral on social media in 2019 for wearing tatreeze, traditional Palestinian embroidery, for the announcement of her position.

"I feel that it gives people hope. Regardless of your background, if you dream it and work hard, anything is possible," Othman told Patch in a statement. "I'm hoping it opens doors for Arab Americans as well as other minorities to achieve their aspirations!"

Othman said that she can relate to any student that walks through school doors, being a refugee, immigrant, minority female herself.

"Being at Andrew gives me joy. I hope to show all students including the Arab American community that we can become and do anything we set our minds to do," Othman said. "And with a supportive school district like mine, everything is possible."

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Tinley Park Patch newsletters and real-time email alerts.