In a significant leadership transition, Evanston Township High School District 202 has officially announced the appointment of Quiana McNeal as the next principal of Evanston Township High School (ETHS). The announcement was made in a news release on Monday, April 7, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the school as it prepares for the upcoming academic year.
Currently, McNeal serves as the Director of Curriculum and Equitable Practices at Township High School District 214, where she has been recognized for her commitment to equity in education. District 202 Superintendent Marcus Campbell expressed his enthusiasm for McNeal's selection, stating, "Dr. McNeal is an exceptional leader whose values and experience align deeply with the mission of ETHS. Out of a highly competitive pool of candidates, she emerged as an outstanding choice — bringing a strong equity mission, instructional expertise, and a student-centered approach that will serve our school community well."
McNeal's appointment comes as she prepares to succeed Taya Kinzie, the current principal, who has held the position since 2022 and announced her decision to step down in February 2025. The District 202 Board of Education unanimously approved McNeal's appointment following a comprehensive search process that included four rounds of interviews designed to reflect the diverse values and priorities of the school community.
Having begun her career as a special education teacher, McNeal has dedicated her professional life to improving educational outcomes for all students. "I am honored to serve as the next principal of ETHS and to become part of this outstanding school community," McNeal said. "ETHS has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and I am eager to collaborate with our students, staff, and families to build upon that legacy." Her official start date is set for July 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, in the Hamburg School District, Nathan Sullivan, the principal of White Hall High School, has been appointed as the new superintendent. The White Hall School Board accepted Sullivan's resignation during its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, effective at the end of the current school year. Sullivan's contract was extended by the Hamburg district on March 31, 2025.
"Just a great opportunity for me and my family," Sullivan remarked about his new role. He expressed bittersweet feelings regarding his departure from White Hall, where he has spent the past six years building strong relationships with staff and students. "I'm really proud of the work my staff, my teachers, and my team have done here. I think we have a really good product for our families. I feel like we've done a pretty good job sending the kids to college and building a workforce here at White Hall High School. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak," he added.
With nearly three decades of experience in education, including roles in coaching, teaching, and administration, Sullivan has a rich background in the field. He previously served as an assistant principal at White Hall Middle School and was the principal at Cutter Morning Star before taking the helm at White Hall High in 2019. Reflecting on his time in education, Sullivan emphasized the importance of teamwork, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
White Hall Superintendent Gary Williams praised Sullivan's dedication to students, stating, "I see his heart for the kids. You can see the passion they have for what they do and the concern about how to help students through personal problems." Sullivan's departure comes amidst other notable personnel changes within the White Hall School District, including the retirement of Assistant Principal Skip Carr and superintendent's administrative assistant Beverly Beck.
In a related development, Sault Ste. Marie Area Public Schools has announced Carl McCready as the principal of the newly established Sault Area Elementary School. This new school will be located in the former middle school building, a significant change that reflects the district's consolidation plan. McCready, who is currently the principal of Lincoln Elementary, will oversee the new school, which will combine students and staff from Lincoln and Washington elementary schools, both of which are set to close.
Superintendent Amy Kronemeyer highlighted McCready's extensive experience in education, noting that he has worked at Sault Area Schools for over 20 years. His leadership has been marked by improvements in student achievement during his tenure at Lincoln. "I am extremely excited to lead the district's kindergarten through fifth grade," McCready stated. He emphasized the potential for enhanced educational experiences through the consolidation, which aims to reduce travel time for specialized staff and improve resource allocation.
Beginning in the fall of 2025, the restructuring will see Washington and Lincoln schools close, with the middle school transitioning to Sault Area Elementary. Middle school students in grades 6-8 will move to the current high school building, while the district's alternative programs will continue to operate in their existing facilities. This consolidation is seen as a necessary response to declining enrollment and rising educational costs, with officials emphasizing the benefits of housing all K-5 students in a single location.
Lastly, Dustin Demers has been appointed as the permanent principal of Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, following his role as acting principal since midyear. His selection was met with unanimous support from the screening committee, and Superintendent Bill Runey praised Demers for his resilience and commitment to the school community.
Demers brings nearly two decades of educational experience to his new role, having previously served in various leadership positions, including dean of students and director of admissions at Bishop Feehan High School. "Serving as an assistant principal and acting principal at DRRHS has been a rewarding experience," Demers said. He expressed his enthusiasm for continuing to foster a positive environment at the high school, emphasizing the pride he feels for the Dighton-Rehoboth community.
As these educational institutions navigate leadership changes and restructuring efforts, the focus remains on enhancing student experiences and fostering environments where both educators and students can thrive.
