Riverside Public School
District 96
www.district96.org
May 28, 2013
Press Release
At the May 21st Board of Education Meeting three administrators
were appointed to the D96 Leadership Team. Riverside District
96 is pleased to announce the new Director of Academic
Excellence and the Principals of Central and Ames School.
Director of Academic Excellence: Dr. Brian Ganan
Dr. Ganan is currently the Principal of Juliet Low Elementary School in Community Consolidated
School District 59 in Arlington Heights, IL. He began his career as a middle school literacy
teacher, and then moved to Palma de Mallorca, Spain to teach English language acquisition
classes to children and adults. Upon returning from Spain, Dr. Ganan taught middle school level
Spanish as a Foreign Language, Literacy, and Math. Prior to becoming a principal, Dr. Ganan
also served as an assistant principal in District 59.
Dr. Ganan earned a B.A. in English and Secondary Education from the University of Iowa. He
received a M.S. in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. Most recently, Dr. Ganan
earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change and his Illinois
Superintendent Endorsement from Roosevelt University.
The interview committee met with seven highly qualified candidates. Committee members
were unanimously impressed with Dr. Ganan’s diverse educational background and
experiences, knowledge of research-based strategies, focus on inclusionary curriculum and
instruction practices, data-enriched decision making skills and personable approach to working
with all stakeholders to optimize teaching and learning success.
Those who have worked with Dr. Ganan described him as a hands-on visible leader who
prioritizes relationships, genuinely listens, effectively communicates, engages in continuous
professional learning and is always focused on what is best for students.
The position of Director of Academic Excellence was recommended and approved by the
Board of Education to enable Riverside District 96:
•
to continue its evaluation of English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics curricula so
that it is fully aligned to Common Core Standards by the 2014-2015 school year. In the fall of
2014, the multi-state assessment known as PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness
for College and Careers) will be based on these standards.
•
to strengthen its bilingual and English Language Learners (ELL), currently representing
approximately 4% of the student population.
•
to redesign and implement the new state-wide teacher and principal evaluation system,
requirements of PERA (Performance Evaluation Reform Act - Senate Bill 315; Public Act 960861), by September 2016.
•
to strengthen its programs for top tier, gifted students.
•
to continuously improve services that support the District's special education students and its
commitment to inclusion.
•
to fully align technology standards with the Common Core Standards by the 2014 - 2015
school year.
Central School: Mr. Peter Gatz
Mr. Gatz is currently the Assistant Principal of Gregory Middle School in Indian Prairie School
District 204. He began his educational career as a Fifth Grade Teacher and transitioned into a
Student Services Coordinator role before becoming an Assistant Principal. Mr. Gatz earned his
B.S. in Elementary Education from Carroll University, a M.A. in Teaching, an additional M.A. in
Reading Instruction, and his Administrative Certification from Aurora University.
The interview committee met with eight candidates. Committee members were unanimously
impressed with Mr. Gatz’s strong background in Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education,
Professional Learning Community Development, Data Analysis, and building strong school
community relationships.
Mr. Gatz is recommended as an effective communicator able to build consensus, and is praised
for his commitment to excellence, high standards for professionalism and his visible studentfocused leadership style.
Ames School: Mr. Todd Gierman
Mr. Gierman is currently the Assistant Principal at Burnham School in Cicero District 99. He began
his educational career as a Math Teacher and has held the administrative positions of Director
of Curriculum, Coordinator of Special Education Services and Special Populations Coordinator.
Mr. Gierman earned his B.A. in Elementary Education, his M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, and
an additional M.A. in Educational Administration, all from Governors State University. He has
also presented seminars for Governors State University’s Beginning Teachers’ Mentoring Program,
and served as a Mathematics Instructor for Joliet Junior College.
The interview committee met with eight candidates. Committee members were unanimously
impressed with Mr. Gierman’s desire for building level leadership, as well as, his robust
experiences with Special Education, English Language Learners, Response to Intervention, and
research-based instructional practices to enhance student learning and increase achievement.
Those who have worked with Mr. Gierman described him as an effective communicator with a
collaborative work style who sets high expectations for teaching and learning, and fosters a true
partnership between home and school.