District 47 approves new principal for Bernotas Middle School

The Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 Board approved on Monday a new principal for Richard Bernotas Middle School.

The board appointed Kellie Marks as principal of the school beginning in the 2019-20 school year.

The district announced to parents in an April email that current Bernotas Principal Steve Scarfe would not be returning as principal for the 2019-20 school year and instead would be assisting with grants at the district’s CORE Center.

Marks has served as an assistant principal at Bernotas since 2016, according to a news release from the district.

Before joining District 47, Marks was a sixth grade teacher for 14 years in McHenry School District 15, according to the release.

“During that time, she taught language arts and math, served as a student council adviser and took an active role on many school and district committees,” according to the release.

After graduating from Cary-Grove High School, Marks attended the United States Air Force Academy for two years. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University.

“It is my honor to accept the position of principal at Richard Bernotas Middle School,” Marks said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to be an empowering team player that enjoys the diversity of collaborating with others to achieve results that benefit the whole student, classroom, school and community.”

Superintendent Kathy Hinz called Marks a “student-focused” leader.

“Ms. Marks is a student-focused educational leader with an unwavering commitment to students, staff and the community. Over the past four years, she has become an integral member of the Bernotas team and District 47, and we look forward to her continued leadership,” Hinz said in a statement.

The middle school has about 950 students and more than 75 staff members, according to the district’s website.

Marks’ salary was $77,536.32 as assistant principal. As principal, she will earn $105,252.79, according to district community relations coordinator Denise Barr.