New Parker Junior High principal named after three-month search

A new principal is coming to Parker Junior High School in Flossmoor.

When the District 161 Board of Education announced at Monday’s meeting its unanimous decision to hire Fred Hunter, the news was greeted by enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation.

A new principal is coming to Parker Junior High School in Flossmoor.

When the District 161 Board of Education announced at Monday’s meeting its unanimous decision to hire Fred Hunter, the news was greeted by enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation.

Hunter was introduced to the gathering by incoming Superintendent Dana Smith who said Hunter will bring Parker’s students “to the highest level.”

Hunter said it was Smith who called him after an “intense interview process” with news that he was the board’s choice after a three-month-long search.

“I can’t wait to meet the staff, work with the parents and get to know the students,” Hunter said.

Hunter added that his top priority will be instruction and he will be working with parents to bring improved results to the students at Parker.

Presently, Hunter is serving in his eighth year as principal at Lincolnwood Elementary School in Evanston.  Previously he was a middle school principal and mathematics instructor.

Hunter earned a bachelor’s degree at Illinois State University and a master’s at National Louis University where he is presently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Hunter and Smith will officially begin their new positions on July 1. Both were hired by the District 161 Board of Education with the assistance of search firm BWP and Associates. BWP also was involved in the February hiring of Jerry Lee Anderson as the new principal at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.

Hunter will succeed Vickie Person who has been serving as interim principal at Parker since Sept. 19. Her appointment followed the August resignation of David Kennedy after he was placed on administrative leave.