In July, the Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education appointed two new assistant principals.
Deborah Dunwoody will assume the role at Western Avenue School, and Nora Dandurand will be the newest administrator at Parker Junior High.
According to press releases from the district office, “assistant principal responsibilities will include leading teachers in improving instruction, facilitating special education meetings, communicating with families, evaluating staff, supervising students and managing daily routines and procedures. The assistant principals in District 161 promote the educational well-being of students and support the district’s academic and behavioral expectations.”
Dunwoody brings 18 years of experience in education, including 17 years within District 161. Her background includes roles as district curriculum coordinator, special education case manager, and Parker Junior High dean. Governors State University awarded her a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in special education, and a master’s degree in educational administration.
“Ms. Dunwoody brings strong instructional knowledge and experience as a school administrator to the Western Avenue community,” said Superintendent Dana Smith. “You will find Ms. Dunwoody to be approachable, responsive and focused on great outcomes for students and teachers alike, and she will make an immediate impact at the school.”
Dandurand joins District 161 with two years of experience as an assistant principal and one year as a curriculum coordinator at Bogan High School in Chicago. Her LinkedIn account indicates that she taught for Chicago Public Schools for six years as a junior high English/language arts teacher prior to her Bogan position. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from American College of Education.
“Ms. Dandurand’s experience as a junior high educator, curriculum coordinator and assistant principal makes her a great addition to the administrative team at Parker Junior High School and District 161,” said Board President Carolyn Griggs.
The board approved Dandurand’s hiring at the meeting on July 2 and voted to hire Dunwoody at the July 22 board meeting.
