The D140 school board approved the following four administrative appointments for the 2024-25 school year: Kelly Folliard, Principal of Bannes Elementary School; James Hanley, Principal of McAuliffe Elementary School; Julie Simpson, Principal of Keller Elementary School; and Alex Weinberg, Assistant Principal of Grissom Middle School.
Kelly Folliard Named Principal of Bannes Elementary School
Kelly Folliard will be Bannes Elementary School's principal beginning July 1, 2024. She has been with the District for fifteen years, most recently serving as McAuliffe Elementary’s assistant principal and, before that, a curriculum facilitator, math interventionist, teacher, and paraeducator. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University, a master’s degree in Reading from Governors State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University.
"I am thrilled to join the Bannes community, recognizing the commitment each member has towards our students' well-being and success,” said Folliard. “Together, we'll build upon the incredible foundation established by our staff and community, striving every day to make Bannes shine even brighter."
Superintendent Dr. Dan Callaghan said, “Kelly understands the importance of strong relationships, teacher and family connections, and setting high expectations for students. Her innovative ideas, collaborative approach, and steadfast commitment to student success will create a vibrant and welcoming learning environment that will benefit the entire Bannes school community.”
James Hanley Named Principal of McAuliffe Elementary School
James Hanley will be McAuliffe Elementary School’s principal beginning July 1, 2024. He has been with District 140 for seven years and was most recently the principal of Keller Elementary School. Before that, he was a district special services program supervisor, a resource teacher at Fernway Elementary School, and a resource teacher with Chicago Public Schools. Hanley also spent time in Honduras as a Peace Corps volunteer. He holds a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Benedictine University.
“I am honored and excited about the opportunity to serve and support the McAuliffe community,” said Hanley. “Acknowledging the remarkable accomplishments already achieved, I am committed to fostering continued growth as we collectively advance toward even greater success.”
Superintendent Dr. Dan Callaghan said, “I am confident that Jim will bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and strong leadership to McAuliffe. We believe his expertise will further enrich our student's educational experience and strengthen our bonds with the wider community.”
Julie Simpson Named Principal of Keller Elementary School
Julie Simpson will be Keller Elementary School’s principal beginning beginning July 1, 2024. She has been in education for twenty-eight years, with fifteen of those years spent in administration. After relocating to Illinois from Maryland eleven years ago, she joined the D140 team. Simpson served as Grissom’s assistant principal, an educational technology facilitator, and an eighth-grade teacher at Prairie View Middle School. She holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland, and a bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola, Florida.
“I'm truly excited to join the Keller community, where our shared goal is cultivating student success and offering steadfast support,” said Simpson. “I look forward to working with families, students, and staff to enhance educational experiences, foster personal growth, and strengthen the bonds that tie us together as a community.”
Superintendent Dr. Dan Callaghan said, “Julie brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to nurturing academic excellence. Her dedication to student success and well-being seamlessly aligns with our District’s mission, ensuring that every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to realize their full potential.”
Alex Weinberg Named Assistant Principal of Grissom Middle School
Alex Weinberg will join the Kirby School District 140 administrative team as assistant principal of Grissom Middle School beginning July 1, 2024.
“I am pleased to welcome Alex to the administrative team at Grissom Middle School,” said Principal Michael Rumbaugh. “Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the assistant principal role. His expertise and student-centered philosophies will serve our school and district well.”
Weinberg has been in education for over ten years and was most recently the assistant principal of William B. Orenic Intermediate School in Troy 30-C. Before that, he taught science and social studies at Chippewa Middle School in Community Consolidated School District 62. He holds a master’s degree in School Leadership from Concordia University - Chicago, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign.
“I am honored to be joining the Kirby 140 and Grissom Middle School families,” said Weinberg. “I am looking forward to working with all of the staff, students, and families to support our students as they develop the skills they need to be prepared for high school and beyond.”
Weinberg replaces Assistant Principal Julie Simpson, who was promoted to Keller Elementary Principal.