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Principals
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Shannon Armstrong joins the Early Learning Development Center as the new Principal. With a passion for nurturing young minds and a deep commitment to inclusive education, Armstrong brings 15 years of dedicated experience in early childhood special education, specifically with multilingual learners. She holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education, Literacy, and Administration, and an endorsement in English as a Second Language.
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Elizabeth Richardi is excited to begin her new role as Principal of Founders Elementary. She brings experience in education and leadership, having most recently served as an Assistant Principal in District 300. Before that, she worked as a Dean of Students in South Bend and spent a decade as an art teacher in Arizona.
Her connection to the DeKalb community runs deep—prior to her time in Arizona, Richardi served in several roles within the DeKalb community and is a proud graduate of Northern Illinois University. Returning to DeKalb feels like coming home, and she is eager to continue contributing to the community she loves.
Richardi is passionate about fostering strong school communities where both students and adults feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. She believes in building authentic relationships, encouraging collaboration, and creating an environment where everyone has the courage to grow and succeed. She is also a mother and avid runner!
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Candice Coleman is beginning her first full year as Principal of Tyler Elementary School. She joined the Tyler Tigers in March of 2025. Mrs. Coleman was the Assistant Principal at Jefferson Elementary from 2022 until she transitioned to Tyler. Prior to joining D428, Mrs. Coleman was a Special Education teacher at the secondary level for 12 years and served as a Special Services Coordinator for three years. She is a proud graduate of Northern Illinois University (Bachelor's in Education) and Aurora University (Master's in Educational Leadership).
Mrs. Coleman is excited about the opportunity to expand her work with Tyler's students, staff, and families. She prides herself on fostering relationships and ensuring that school is a safe and engaging learning space for everyone. Mrs. Coleman is dedicated to the success of all students.
Mrs. Coleman is also a parent in the district with three active children involved in sports and music.
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Maurice McDavid, Principal at Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School, is committed to family, education, and community. As a product of District 428, he is ecstatic to return to where he learned so much as a student and began his professional career as an educator.
McDavid is a former middle school history and Spanish teacher, as well as a dean, assistant principal, and principal. He joined D428 most recently after serving as a principal at a dual language elementary school in DuPage County.
With his wife, Samantha, and three children, he serves the community in multiple roles but is ready to take the helm at Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School on a journey toward excellence. |
Assistant Principals |
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Rhonda Crandall has transitioned to Jefferson Elementary after serving as Dean at DeKabl High School (DHS) for the past three school years. She taught elementary students for 10 years in Illinois and Iowa before working for Pearson Education to provide professional development for teachers and administrators around the country. Mrs. Crandall also taught future educators at Kishwaukee College, where she began her own journey in education. After earning undergraduate degrees from Kishwaukee College and Elmhurst University, she attended Northern Illinois University to attain a Master's in Educational Administration. She is married to a retired administrator, and they have 4 grown children (and 2 are teachers). Although she misses her DHS colleagues and students, she is excited to return to the elementary level.
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Barzeen Vaziri joins Founders Elementary as the new Assistant Principal. Vaziri values family and community and has served students from Kindergarten through 12th grade as a teacher, a dean, and an assistant principal for the past 17 years, most recently as a dean of students and an assistant principal in CUSD 300 in Algonquin. Before working in education, Vaziri managed youth summer camp programs throughout Illinois. He has a Bachelor’s degree in music education and a Master’s degree in Education Leadership.
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DeLandon Mason began his education career in District 428 in 2015 as an assistant, working as a substitute, and then transitioning to a fifth-grade teacher. He previously served as the Dean of Restorative Practices at Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary before moving to Assistant Principal at Mitchell Elementary. Mason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Northern Illinois University.
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Lori Hermann joins Brooks Elementary School as the new Assistant Principal, bringing 21 years of dedication to the field of education. She began her career as a school social worker before transitioning into administration four years ago. Having worked with all grade levels, Lori is passionate about using restorative practices to build positive school cultures that support student success and encourage strong home-school connections. |
Deans
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Jayne Muetterties joins Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School as its first Restorative Dean. Muetterties brings six years of experience in elementary and special education, always emphasizing the focus on students' holistic growth. Additionally, she holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University. One of her favorite quotes is, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The students are her true treasures, and her heart has been with them and always will be with them.
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Elise Maliszewski began her career at DeKalb High School (DHS) as an instructional assistant before moving into a Special Education teaching role, where she served for the past 10 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Administration. Maliszewski values collaboration and community and is excited to continue serving the students, families, and staff of DHS in her new role as dean of students. |
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Tom Slater brings 12 years of teaching experience and values teamwork and community to his role as dean. He has coached multiple sports and is a proponent of technology.
He and his wife have raised their family here in DeKalb and are rooted in the community. His children are active in sports and music in the district. Tom holds a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology and Administration, both from NIU.
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