Crystal Lake School District 47 principal receives regional award

CRYSTAL LAKE – A Crystal Lake School District 47 principal has earned regionwide recognition, being named the Kishwaukee Region's Middle School Principal of the Year, the district recently announced.

Named by the Illinois Principals Association, Jeff Prickett leads Richard Bernotas Middle School and has been with the district for a year and a half, according to a district news release.

The award means Prickett met a number of criteria, such as demonstrating a positive impact on education and advocacy for children, ensuring the school climate is positive and reflects high staff and student morale, taking risks to improve student learning, among several others, the release said.

“We’re excited for Jeff and understand why he’d be nominated and ultimately selected as the region’s candidate,” Superintendent Kathy Hinz said. “In the year and a half he’s been with District 47, Jeff has been instrumental in finding unique opportunities to engage students and families in the middle school process.”

District officials describe Prickett as passionate and someone who believes in discipline alternatives as well as student leadership.

Before District 47, Prickett served as principal at Round Lake Middle School and W.J. Murphy Elementary in Round Lake. Prior to that, he spent two years as dean of students/assistant principal at Parkland Middle School.

He will be honored Jan. 13 at the Kishwaukee Regional Award Dinner and will be considered by the association for the state Middle School Principal of the Year award.