Press Release: 05-22-2012

Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 has concluded its exhaustive search for a new principal to lead Waukegan High School, with the selection of Mr. Brian E. Riegler.

The Board of Education voted unanimously during it May 22 meeting to accept the administration’s recommendation to appoint Mr. Riegler as the next principal of Waukegan High School. Mr. Riegler will officially begin his duties on July 1.

“We are very excited to welcome Mr. Riegler to the Waukegan High School family. I believe his experience, enthusiasm and previous successes, coupled with our staff’s talent and dedication, will enhance the successes we are already experiencing at the high school. Mr. Riegler will play an important role in helping to continue our forward progress,” said Dr. Mary L. Lamping, Chief Academic Officer for District 60, and Principal-in-Charge at WHS.

Mr. Riegler, 44, of Palos Park, comes to WHS with nearly two decades of experience in teaching and administration at the high school level. He is currently in his third year as principal at Crete-Monee High School, a 1,700-student school in south suburban Crete. Prior to that, Mr. Riegler worked for five years as a principal at Herscher High School, in Herscher Illinois. He also has experience as an assistant principal in Morris Community High School; as a teacher, coach and dean at Plainfield High School; and as a teacher at Thornton Fractional North High School.

Mr. Riegler is excited to begin his new role, and said he really came to appreciate the passion of the Waukegan community during the interview process, particularly at the April 19 community forum, where members of the public had an opportunity to meet the four finalists.

“The students at the forum were very candid about they wanted, and so were the parents. I really enjoyed the process, because I truly believe that you have to bring the community together and involve parents to have successful change,” Mr. Riegler said.

In addition to experience in education, Mr. Riegler also brings military background to Waukegan. Mr. Riegler is in his 23rd year of service in the United States Navy Reserves, where he holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He previously served three years in the United States Navy as a weapons specialist. He has degrees from Valparaiso University and the University of Illinois-Chicago, and is currently completing his Ph.D. at Northern Illinois University.

Email Contact: nalajakis@wps60.org

Mr. Brian Riegler