3 days ago
Veteran special education teacher, administrator to be new principal at Gemini Middle School in East Maine District 63
The new administrator who will be taking the reins at Gemini Middle School next school year has been announced and will step in the role as of July 1, East Maine School District 63 officials stated in a news release.
The school board recently approved the appointment of Alexandra Oreluk, Ph.D., as the new principal of Gemini. Oreluk is currently a principal at a school in west suburban Willow Springs School District 108. She will take over Gemini from Principal Lewis Roberts who will be departing, the release explains.
According to the release, Oreluk started her career as a special education teacher at North Palos School District 117 in southwest suburban Hickory Hills. She moved on to roles as assistant principal at south suburban Frankfort Community Consolidated School District 157-C and Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401 in the west suburbs before going to Willow Springs in 2021.
She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, her master's degree in principal preparation from Concordia University and her doctorate in leadership and learning in organizations from Vanderbilt University, according to the release.
'Dr. Oreluk stood out throughout the selection process for her communication, integrity, instructional leadership, and passion for middle-level education. She brings a well-rounded background that includes success as a teacher and administrator, a proven commitment to high expectations, consistent follow-through, and student-centered leadership,' District 63 Superintendent Shawn Schleizer stated in the release.
Oreluk says she is 'honored to join District 63' as the new principal of the district's lone middle school.
Des Plaines-based East Maine School District 63 enrolls some 3,600 students across five K-5 schools, Gemini and a pre-K center. The middle school has about 1,100 students. Students live in the surrounding towns of Des Plaines, Niles, Morton Grove, Glenview and Park Ridge
'It is truly a privilege to serve in a leadership role at a district so deeply committed to equity, excellence, and student growth. I am excited to continue Gemini's legacy of excellence by fostering a culture of collaboration and respect, and achievement. Together, we will ensure that every student is supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed. I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, and families who make this such an outstanding community,' Oreluk stated in the release.
