After three years as principal at Lake Forest’s Cherokee Elementary School, Kate Cavanaugh is moving over to Libertyville’s District 70 to take an administrative position.
The District 70 school board approved the hiring of Cavanaugh, currently the principal at Lake Forest’s Cherokee Elementary School, to be the next Director of Student Services at its Feb. 24 meeting. She will start her new job July 1.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the District 70 community and can’t wait to get started,” Cavanaugh said in a statement. “From everything I’ve learned about the district, it’s clear that this is a place where students, staff, and families come together to create something truly special. I look forward to meeting and learning from all of you as we work together to support all students.”
In Libertyville, Cavanaugh reunites with District 70 Superintendent Rebecca Jenkins, who previously worked at Lake Forest District 67.
“We are very excited to have someone with Dr. Cavanaugh’s extensive student service background in education join our team, and we look forward to the incredible impact she will make on our students, staff, and community,” Supt. Rebecca Jenkins said in the statement.
Cavanaugh will have an annual salary of $155,000. She replaces Pam Damesek, the assistant director of student services, who will be pursuing new opportunities, according to the District 70 news release.
“She will collaborate closely with Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Zuica Donev to continue enhancing and expanding special education services across the district’s five schools,” Jenkins wrote.
Cavanaugh had several roles at Cherokee leading to her promotion to principal in 2022.
“Dr. Cavanaugh’s journey exemplifies our district’s commitment to developing outstanding educators — supporting their growth and celebrating their achievements, even if it sometimes means saying goodbye. While we will miss her, we are immensely grateful for her contributions,” District 67 Superintendent Matthew Montgomery wrote in a letter to the community.
Cherokee is one of three K-4 schools in District 67.
Montgomery said Cavanaugh would finish the school year before moving over to Libertyville. He added Assistant Superintendent Renee Fitzsimmons is set to host five online focus groups in March to get feedback from stakeholders as part of the search for Cavanaugh’s replacement.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
