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New Principal Named for Minooka Community High School District 111 Freshman/Sophomore Campus
(Minooka) – The Minooka Community High School District 111 Board of Education during its regular meeting on May 1, 2008, named Dean Auriemma principal of the district’s new freshman/sophomore campus, which will open this fall in Channahon. Auriemma, a seventeen-year veteran in the education field, will officially begin his tenure with the district on July 1, 2008.
“This school and district are at a point in which there is tremendous opportunity to not only nurture some fine established traditions, but to also continue evolving in stride with the community,” Auriemma offered. “The residential, commercial, and industrial growth of the communities within MCHS District 111 reflect a great deal of successful, long-range planning, and the school district is certainly at a point to continue successfully moving forward in that light. I am honored and excited to be a part of this historical time for the district and community.”
“The school and district are set up to be whatever they want to be,” he continued. “The district has worked successfully with the community to address issues of growth and development of necessary learning space and resources, so we will be able to address the ‘good’ challenges in education, such as improving student performance and cultivating a true educational culture for students, staff, and the community.”
During his interview process for the position, Auriemma was able to spend time with a variety of students, staff members, and community members. While each group was unique in their own right, Auriemma was impressed with some unifying characteristics displayed by everyone he met.
“There is a tremendous sense of ownership and pride expressed by the district’s stakeholders,” he said. “This is going to be important, especially as the district transitions into two campuses. We may have two campuses, but we will still be one school. We are all going to have to work together to keep everyone connected, and I look forward to working with everyone to help that happen.”
Auriemma, who has also been a national consultant for the College Board, which is highly recognized for its Advanced Placement Program, added that the district’s transition into two campuses also serves as a good opportunity to take a broad-brushed look at how MCHS prepares its students for life after graduation.
“I hope to share with MCHS a national perspective on education,” said Auriemma. “We can’t forget that we aren’t alone in this business of educating students. When we hand a MCHS diploma to each graduate, we have to make sure that we have prepared them to the best of our ability as they take that next successful step in entering a college classroom, the work force, or the military alongside students from across the state and across the nation.”
MCHS District 111 Superintendent Dr. David Middleton believes that Auriemma’s professional experiences will serve as assets as he joins the district in what is a true time of transition.
“We look forward to Mr. Auriemma joining MCHS as principal of our new school,” offered said Middleton. “His professional accomplishments and experiences along with his enthusiasm prepare him for the challenges and opportunities ahead as MCHS continues its mission of helping more students achieve at higher levels in a safe and secure school.”
“Working closely with (current MCHS) Principal Bob Williams for the first year will assure a better transition to the 2-2 configuration for our school, serving our students, families and staff,” Middleton added.
Along with seventeen years of educational experience as a teacher and administrator, Auriemma brings to MCHS with him state and national recognition as a Golden Apple Teaching Excellence Award winner (2001) and certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which is an honor bestowed upon the nation’s top 2% of all teachers. Auriemma’s past certification with the College Board has also provided him valuable experience heading leadership sessions across the country on Advanced Placement Vertical Teaming. He has earned both his Bachelor of Science (Art Education) and Master of Art (Painting/Fiber) degrees from Northern Illinois University, where he is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Auriemma’s transition to MCHS as principal follows his position as Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Development at Homewood Flossmoor High School District 233.
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