Roger Beauford, a veteran principal in the Chicago Public Schools, will be the new principal at Grant-White Elementary School after his unanimous appointment by the District 91 school board. The school board took the action at its July 13 meeting.
Beauford has worked as an assistant principal and principal at CPS. In Forest Park he will have a one-year contract for $115,000. All principal contracts in District 91 are for one year, District 91 Supt. Dr. Lou Cavallo said.
Shannon Roedel, the school’s outgoing principal, shifted roles in the district and is now director of innovation instruction.
“He exhibited all of the qualities we were looking for in a leader. He is a dynamic leader with a clear vision for student achievement. His positive attitude, enthusiasm, and ideas for bringing the learning community together impressed us,” Cavallo wrote in an email to the Review. “He has had very positive experiences as a principal and assistant principal in CPS that he brings with him. He improved academic achievement for students in an underperforming school his prior position.”
Thirty-nine people applied for the position, according to Cavallo. An interview committee, including parents, teachers and district administrator conducted initial interviews and recommend finalists to Cavallo. Then, Cavallo did another round of interviews and sent his own recommendation to the board for final approval.
There is a welcoming reception for Beauford set for August 15 as part of the school registration event that day.
