CCSD21 appoints new director of special education, new assistant principal for Poe

The Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education on March 21 voted unanimously to appoint a new director of special education and a new assistant principal for Poe Elementary School.

Luci Donnan will shift over to the director role as of July 1, after serving successfully for the past nine years as a student services coordinator within the district. She previously served as a school psychologist within CCSD21.

In recommending her approval, district administrators commended Donnan for being a “positive influence and part of the success of the expanded continuum of services.” They also noted that she has a growth mindset and has a shared goal of empowering every student, every day in the least restrictive environment.

“Her entire career has been dedicated to the district, and really she’s a natural fit for all of the roles she has moved into,” said Kim Cline, assistant superintendent for support services and school safety, ahead of the board’s vote on the measure.

Donnan’s initial annual salary will be $142,299 per year for a 12-month administrative contract plus the standard administrator benefit package.

Melissa Sutton is also set to assume the role of assistant principal at Poe as of July 1, succeeding Stephanie Stallman, who is ascending to the principal’s office.

Sutton previously served as an instructional specialist, coach and as an interventionist within the district. Prior to that, she served as a classroom teacher in Schaumburg School District 54.

In recommending her approval, district administrators said Sutton distinguished herself as “an engaging, creative, collaborative and thoughtful educator.” She has also shown “how she is student-centered and responsive to the learning needs of children.”

“She is a very strong, collaborative colleague who a lot of people just really respect and admire, and I know she’s going to do great things with our building,” said Stephanie Stallman, incoming principal of Poe.

Sutton’s initial annual salary will be $83,000 per year for a 205-day administrative contract plus the standard administrator benefit package.