After a stint as associate principal at one of the schools in Arlington Heights-based Township High School District 214, Kara Kendrick has been named associate superintendent for student services – a district-level position.
Before the move last month, Kendrick had been an associate principal at Prospect High School in Mount Prospect since 2018, SD214 officials stated in a news release announcing her role change. In addition to PHS, she formerly worked as a dean at Maine South High School in north suburban Park Ridge and at Naperville North High School in the west suburbs.
According to the release, Kendrick was first hired at SD214 in 2013 as head of The Academy of Forest View and life — 214’s Transition Program.
“Throughout her time in District 214, Kendrick’s work has been marked by a student-centered approach with a focus on inclusivity for all — priorities she will bring to her Cabinet role as well,” district officials stated in the release.
She is credited with helping PHS earn the National Blue Ribbon School Award in 2023, and in the 2015-2016 school year, she received the district’s Dr. Elizabeth A. Ennis Innovator Award, according to the release.
“When you look closely at Kara’s work, what really stands out is that she brings a unique blend of empathy, innovation, and strategic thinking to the role and has an unwavering commitment to placing students at the forefront of every decision. Additionally, she has worked to expand her own development and skill set in support of student services at every stage of her career,” Superintendent Scott Rowe stated in the release.
District officials explained that Kendrick earned bachelor’s degree in education and special education and a master’s degree in educational administration – both from Illinois State University.
In fact, she began her educator career as a special education teacher in Normal, the release states, where ISU is located.
