Riverside Brookfield High School names interim principal

RIVERSIDE – The Riverside Brookfield High School Board of Education announced Wednesday that Kristin Smetana will serve as interim principal for the 2014-15 school year.

Smetana, currently assistant principal for curriculum, instruction and assessment at RB, will use next year at the school as a trial run before possibly getting the nod and dropping the interim title.

"I think it's in the best interest of the district to provide [Smetana] an opportunity to work with the staff, students, and parents to see if she can be the principal for Riverside Brookfield High School the future," Superintendent Kevin Skinkis said in a news release.

School officials began a search for an interim principal next year after announcing current principal, Pam Bylsma, was leaving for a position with Hinsdale School District 86. Bylsma was named assistant superintendent for District 86 by the district's board Feb. 13. Bylsma's new contract will begin July 1, after finishing the year at RB.

Skinkis cited Smetana's experience as a teacher, department chair and assistant principal as a "strong foundation" for her to assume the role of principal next year.

"Her role in planning and organizing the joint institute day in collaboration with three feeder districts was excellent," Skinkis said in the release.

Skinkis said the board will revisit the principal vacancy and Smetana's performance as interim principal after the school's first semester in January 2015.

Board President Matt Sinde said the board was confident of Skinkis' recommendation of Smetana for the position and said interactions between Smetana and the board have been positive.

"The board is excited to see how [Smetana] will handle her new responsibilities," Sinde said in the release.