During a March 14 regular meeting, the District 97 school board unanimously approved the appointment of Lisa Bucciarelli-Carlos as principal of Lincoln Elementary School, 1111 Grove Ave. in Oak Park.
Bucciarelli-Carlos will replace longtime principal Cathy Hamilton, who was recently appointed to the position of administrator for substitute teachers and teaching assistants, on July 1. The board approved a one-year contract for Bucciarelli-Carlos that’s worth $122,774.
“I want to thank Cathy Hamilton for her nearly 30 years of dedicated service, and wish her the best in her new role with the district,” said D97 Superintendent Carol Kelley in a statement the district released on March 15.
“I also want to congratulate Lisa on her appointment. Her energy, enthusiasm and passion for learning, coupled with her extensive knowledge and experience, will help build upon the proud history and legacy of Lincoln School and foster the continued growth and development of our faculty, staff and students.”
Before her appointment as Lincoln’s principal, Bucciarelli-Carlos was principal of Kelly High School in Chicago during the 2016-17 school year. In the two years before that she was the school’s assistant principal. From 1996 to 2010, she served as assistant principal, world languages department chair, and Spanish etymology teacher, respectively, for Hearst Elementary School in Chicago, York Community High School in Elmhurst and Hinsdale Central High School, respectively.
Bucciarelli-Carlos, who is married and lives in Chicago, said she was “humbled and honored” by her appointment, before referencing Lincoln’s “outstanding new team of faculty and staff,” and “rich traditions.”
“I want to thank the Board of Education, Superintendent Kelley and all of the Lincoln Lions for affording me the opportunity to be part of the important and dynamic work being done, not only here at our school but across the district.”
District officials said Lincoln families and staff members were involved in the search process for the school’s new principal.
CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
