Vernon Hills High School Names Next Principal

Vernon Hills High School formalized its leadership plan for 2014-15 on Monday with the appointment of Jon Guillaume as the school's next principal.

Guillarme will take the reins on July 1, 2014, upon the retirement of current Principal Ellen Cwick.

The District 128 School Board voted unanimously to promote Guillaume at the recommendation of Superintendent Prentiss Lea.

Guillaume was named Vernon Hills' associate principal in 2010, following seven years as the school’s assistant principal. His current responsibilities include leadership in data-driven school improvement planning; curriculum, instruction, assessment and feedback; teacher evaluation; personnel and staffing; and the coordination of student and parent programs.

"I could not be more proud to be a part of Vernon Hills High School,” Guillaume said. “I am both humbled and honored to be named its next principal. Under current principal Dr. Cwick's and former principal Dr. [James] Whittington’s leadership, the school and its students have accomplished wonderful things and increased achievement and success in academics, the fine arts, athletics and student activities. I eagerly anticipate working with our exceptional staff, students and community to continue this great tradition."

Lea said he looks forward to working with Guillaume in his new role.

“As Jon’s outstanding leadership at VHHS and in D128 over the years has demonstrated, he is absolutely the right person to lead VHHS to the next level,” the superintendent said.

Guillaume earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Taylor University, with a major in mathematics and secondary education. In 1992 he accepted a position teaching mathematics at Niles North High School in Skokie. After two years at Niles North, he accepted a teaching position at Libertyville High School.

While teaching math and coaching football and baseball for District 128, he completed a graduate degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University. In 1999, he became the mathematics department supervisor at LHS and then for VHHS when it opened its doors. He continued as department supervisor, math teacher and basketball coach until becoming an assistant principal in 2003.

Guillaume is scheduled to complete his doctorate in educational leadership with a superintendent endorsement through Concordia University later this year.

— Information provided by School District 128