DPM Principal Search Update

January 27, 2022

To Our DPM Families:

As you know, DPM Principal Tom Herion will be leaving the District effective July 1 to become the Principal at his alma mater, District 83 Mannheim Middle School. We are thrilled for Tom and know this is a meaningful opportunity for him.

Since learning about Tom's plans, I have spent a great deal of time in the DPM building hosting focus groups, meeting with staff members for one-on-one and small group conversations, and tapping key District administrators to better understand their perspectives on leadership and culture at DPM.

Leadership Model

A key component of these conversations has been our DPM leadership model. That is, should we have one principal for all of DPM, or two – one for grades 5-6 and another for grades 7-8? The resounding answer from nearly all stakeholders has been “two.”

Recommendation

With this in mind, I am pleased to announce that I will be recommending to the Board of Education our two current DPM Associate Principals Megan Eigenrauch and Sam Paulsen to serve as DPM Principals, effective July 1, 2022. Pending Board approval, Megan will lead DPM grades 5 and 6, and Sam will assume responsibilities as principal for DPM grades 7 and 8. Both will be supported by an assistant principal and those positions will be posted early next week.

I believe Megan and Sam are the right leaders at the right time for DPM. They have a well-established partnership with each other and extensive knowledge of our students, staff, and families, which will allow us to maintain a high level of continuity in the building during a time of transition. They also understand (and have helped create many of) the processes and procedures used to manage the building. Most importantly, they have each demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education and our school community during their tenure. They are focused on teaching, learning, and school culture and will continue to foster a positive and supportive learning and work environment in their new roles.

About Megan

Growing up in nearby Libertyville where she is now raising her own family, Megan is proud to serve the Deer Path Middle School community. Megan joined DPM as an Associate Principal in 2018. Since then she has focused on curriculum and instruction, creating processes to support student learning. Megan has also built a governance structure for DPM staff, created a new framework for professional learning, and last summer served as our 2021 District 67 Summer School principal. Prior to her role at DPM, Megan was a math and science teacher at Meridian Middle School in Buffalo Grove.

“I have always worked in the ‘middle grades’ because I love seeing the academic and social-emotional growth in those four years,” says Megan. “It's a stage of development when students need a calm and understanding presence which I work hard to provide.” Megan has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University, a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. I serve as Megan’s administrative advisor for her doctoral work.

About Sam

Growing up in a family of teachers, Samuel Paulsen (Sam) has proudly spent his entire career working in education. Sam has served as Associate Principal for Deer Path Middle School since the 2019-2020 school year. During his three years at DPM, Sam has focused on enhancing student services through the development of proactive systems and supports to foster a positive school environment where all students can learn. Sam began his teaching career with the Northern Suburban Special Education District serving students with low-incidence and multiple disabilities at Glenbrook South High School. He then transitioned into administration as the Dean of Students at Lincoln Junior High in Skokie / Morton Grove District 69 prior to joining District 67.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead Deer Path Middle School as Principal with Megan,” says Sam. “We have accomplished so much over our time working together, and we are committed to fulfilling our shared vision for DPM. It is a true privilege to help support the students of Lake Forest and work with our wonderful staff everyday!”

Sam has a Bachelor's degree in History and Classics from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Masters of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Dr. Jeff McHugh serves as Sam’s administrative advisor for this doctoral work.

Looking Ahead

Our administrative team is prepared to support Tom, Megan, Sam, and our DPM staff during this transition and we will continue to engage you during that process. As an administrator and parent of two DPM students – with two more in the pipeline – I could not be more optimistic about the future of DPM. Please join me in congratulating Megan and Sam on these new opportunities!

Sincerely,

Matthew L. Montgomery, Ph.D.

Superintendent