Meet Dr. Alison Schoeffmann!

Dear Orrington Community - 

It is with great pleasure that I announce Dr. Alison Schoeffmann as the next Orrington Principal! Her appointment was approved by the School Board earlier today and is effective July 1. We are grateful for your patience during this process and to those who gave their feedback through our survey and interview panel. 

For over 20 years, Dr. Schoeffmann has worked in just two districts, showing a deep commitment to the school communities she serves. Her most recent role was as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Director of Curriculum & Instruction at River Forest School District 90. Prior to that, she worked in Winnetka Public Schools as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; an assistant principal; and a classroom teacher. By now, you probably know that I believe strongly in the J-Factor — the Joy Factor! Dr. Schoeffmann is thrilled to return to her true passion as a building leader, where she finds great joy in building connections with educators, students, and school communities. 

She earned her doctorate degree at National Louis University and two masters degrees at Bank Street College of Graduate Education in New York. Before earning these degrees, though, Dr. Schoeffmann’s education began in District 65! As a proud Evanstonian, she attended Willard, King Arts, and ETHS. She remains very vested in the community, including six years with the ETHS Foundation and time supporting Evanston Scholars and The TED Fund. She also served on the D65 community-based committee in support of the 2017 referendum. She is excited to serve her community and neighborhood; you may even see her walking to school! Dr. Schoeffmann is an avid runner, loves playing tennis, and has been in the same book club since 2003.

Similarly to me, Dr. Schoeffmann values transparency. It was important to both of us to proactively address criticism she faced in her previous roles from very small but vocal groups who opposed her beliefs in expanding access to rigorous learning opportunities and keeping a wide variety of books in libraries. A non-mainstream news article and several blogs stated Dr. Schoeffmann was fired or asked to resign. Our team had conversations with those who served in leadership positions during her tenure and they confirmed the reports are absolutely false nor was there any factual basis to the claims referenced. These individuals referenced her high levels of integrity, deep instructional knowledge, and unwavering ability to center students’ needs.

She was highly regarded by the school-based interview panel and impressed my team with her ability to discuss these matters candidly and professionally. Prioritizing equity and making student-centered decisions sometimes comes with critics; with that in mind, I ask that you reserve judgment and join us in warmly welcoming her home to the District 65 family.

Our district team looks forward to supporting Dr. Schoeffmann, Assistant Principal Yoo, Orrington staff and parents/caregivers in ensuring a strong and joyful start to the new school year. Please stay tuned for a welcome message and details for a “meet and greet” opportunity. In the meantime, I hope you are enjoying a safe, fun summer!

Warmly,

Dr. Angel Turner (she/her/hers)
Superintendent