Get to know new East Principal

 

Video: Get to Know Dr. Julie Lam

 

New Principal Announcement:

On Thursday, April 18, the Leyden High School District 212 Board of Education approved the hiring of Dr. Julie Lam as the new East Leyden principal, effective July 1, 2024. The hiring of Lam is a result of an extensive search process, including a pre-screening of qualified candidates and a series of interviews with Leyden administrators, faculty, staff and students. 

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Lam to the Leyden Family. Her vast experiences in the classroom and in both building and district administrative roles have prepared her to hit the ground running at East Leyden next year,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Polyak. “She has demonstrated a strong ability to continue leading the work that has been established at East, while also bringing her own knowledge and expertise to build additional supports that meet the changing needs of our communities.”

Lam currently serves as the director of student learning at Oak Park and River Forest High School, and has also served as an assistant principal of curriculum and instruction and assistant director of secondary education at Oswego Community Unit School District 308.  Prior to that, she held roles in her field of science at the Museum of Science and Industry, and began her career as a high school science teacher.
 
Lam earned a Bachelor of Science from Loyola University, Master of Science from University of Arizona and earned her Doctorate from Northern Illinois University.

"I am filled with joy to join the Leyden team,” said Lam. “I understand the amazing responsibility of leading a school and look forward to the opportunity to do so at East Leyden High School." 

Lam fills the role resulting from current principal Dr. Dominic Manola’s appointment as the district’s assistant superintendent of  curriculum and instruction.

Students and families will have upcoming opportunities to meet and interact with Lam prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year.