New Principal Named at Gunn High School

Dr. Denise Herrmann is selected as the new principal at Gunn High School.
 
Superintendent Kevin Skelly will present the recommendation at the May Board of Education meeting.
  
Herrmann replaces Katya Villalobos, who will become the principal of the Palo Alto Adult School.

Herrmann began her career teaching science at St. Charles High School in St. Charles, Illinois, in 1991.

She became Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at St. Charles North High School in 2000 and continued there until 2006 when she became the Principal at Middleton High School in Middleton,Wisc.

As an administrator, she initiated several curriculum efforts such as Understanding by Design and Professional Learning Communities for the staff, along with working closely with community groups to create positive partnerships that provide interventions and opportunities to students.

Herrmann received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemistry from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill.

She completed her Doctorate in Education from the same university in 2002 with an emphasis on Administration and Curriculum Leadership.

“I am extremely proud to be selected as the principal of Gunn High School, " Herrmann said "Throughout the interview process, my interactions with students, staff, parents, and community members were positive, meaningful, and focused on developing each student as a whole person."

"I believe this is a leadership position that fits me well," she added. "I will bring out the best in Gunn High School and Gunn High School will bring out the best in me.”

Skelly said: “Dr. Herrmann was enthusiastically supported by the Gunn teachers, students,parents, and staff members who were part of the principal selection committee." 

"Her years of experience leading a school similar to Gunn will serve the students and school community well," Skelly said. "I have rarely seen a closer match between a candidate’s skills and the expressed desires of a school community.”

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