D158 welcomes two new school principals
HUNTLEY — At the regular Huntley Community School District 158 (D158) Board of Education (BOE) meeting that took place on May 16, board members approved the appointment of two new principals effective July 1. The district welcomed Katherine “Katie” Surjan and Dana Halper, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to their respective schools.
Surjan will serve as the new principal for Conley Elementary School, replacing current principal Anna Hoyou, who will be taking on a new role in the learning and innovation department as a director of curriculum and instruction at the D158 office.
Surjan joined the district in July 2021 as Conley Elementary’s assistant principal where she has served in that role for the past three years.
“I look forward to continuing to build relationships with the staff, students, and families at Conley, and to supporting the positive momentum and culture of the school,” said Surjan in a press release statement. “It is my goal to promote an inclusive environment where all stakeholders are motivated, respected, and excited to belong to the school community.”
Halper will take over the principal role at Marlowe Middle School, where she will be replacing current Marlowe principal Bill Johnson, who will be leaving the district at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
Halper has served as the assistant principal for Jerling Junior High School in Orland Park for three years. While in this role, she has led data-driven initiatives to promote a positive school culture and climate, and improved student outcomes, according to D158’s Director of Communications and Public Engagement, Denise Barr.
Additionally, Halper has spearheaded the implementation of a new math curriculum, served as the school’s athletic director, and expanded the teacher monitoring program. Before her employment at Jerling Junior High, Halper was a remote team leader for LaGrange District 105’s Remote Middle School for one year and served as a STEM teacher at William F. Gurrie Middle School District 105 in LaGrange for seven years.
“I am honored to join the Marlowe team and hope to make this my school home for many years,” said Halper in a press release statement. “It is clear that the Marlowe staff is student-centered and has a deep connection with families and the community. I look forward to working with everyone—students, staff, and families—to continue to build on this momentum and, together, move Marlowe forward.”
D158 Superintendent Jessica Lombard expressed her confidence in the new appointments.
“Mrs. Surjan has been active in supporting the district’s strategic plan by working on committees and projects that support the whole child,” said Lombard. “Her insights, skills, and experience as a former educator and assistant principal will provide a seamless transition for the Conley community.”
As for her thoughts on Halper, Lombard stated, “We are very excited to have Dana Halper join the Huntley 158 team as principal of Marlowe Middle School. Mrs. Halper will carry on the rich traditions of Marlowe while working toward student growth and achievement. I am confident that her vision and leadership will ensure that Marlowe continues to excel and evolve, taking the school community to the next level of success.”
Before becoming a school administrator, Surjan served as a middle school English Language Arts teacher for 12 years at Geneva CUSD 34 and Yorkville District 115. She holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Aurora University, a master’s of science degree in reading to earn her reading specialist endorsement, and achieved her National Board Certification in English Language Arts for Early Adolescence.
Surjan is also currently working towards her education specialist degree for her superintendency certification.
Halper holds an education specialist degree from National Louis University, a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in biology from the University of St. Francis, and a bachelor’s degree in science education from the University of Iowa.
With these strategic appointments, D158 is poised for a promising year ahead, focused on strengthening educational outcomes and fostering a supportive community for all its members.
