D158 Board of Education unanimously votes to approve new Heineman Middle School principal

HUNTLEY—At the June 15 Huntley Community School District 158 (D158) Board of Education (BOE) meeting, board members voted unanimously to approve hiring Andrew Gibbs as the new principal of Heineman Middle School.

According to a press release by the district’s Director of Communications and Public Relations Alex LeMoine, Gibbs will be undertaking his new role in the 2023-24 school year after he was recommended to the BOE from a thorough search process of many qualified candidates.

Gibbs is set to replace current Heineman Middle School Principal Stephanie Mitchell, who will be transitioning to an assistant principal role at Leggee Elementary School in the upcoming school year.

LeMoine stated that Gibbs has previously served as the principal of Three Oaks Elementary School in Cary School District 26 for five years.

“In this role, he developed collaborative relationships with parents and community members, worked to improve student behavioral outcomes, and strengthened professional development opportunities for staff,” said LeMoine in the press release.

Before his position at Three Oaks Elementary School, Gibbs gained experience as an assistant principal as well as served as principal of Blackberry Creek Elementary School in Kaneland School District 302.

Gibbs not only has tenure as a building leader but additionally possesses over 12 years of experience working with students in the classroom. Since beginning his career in 1997, he has taught elementary school, middle school, and has served as a middle school dean of students.

“It is this rich educational background that has provided Gibbs with a lifelong love of learning, in addition to an understanding of how roles of staff, students, and families intertwine to foster a successful school community,” added LeMoine.

Families of students will be happy to know that Gibbs is a resident of Huntley, which allows him to bring a strong connection and sense of pride in the surrounding community to his new role.

“Mr. Gibbs demonstrates the ideal combination of experience and passion for students that we search for in the education leaders in Huntley 158,” said incoming Interim Superintendent Jessica Lombard. “Through the efforts of our search committee, I believe we have found a candidate that will continue to support our talented staff and provide the best possible learning environment for our students at HMS.”

Mitchell will be collaborating with Gibbs over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth and positive transition as the district prepares to welcome students back for the next school year.