News Briefs: West Park funding comes through; District 113 promotes Deerfield principal; Toys for Tots collects hundreds of gifts

The Glencoe Park District has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the Illinois Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program for improvements at West Park.

According to a park district release, the grant will fund a major renovation of the park, including a new baseball/softball field with artificial turf infield and new dugout structures, a small baseball field with grass infield and improved spectator seating areas, two pickleball courts, a picnic shelter, an accessible walking path, a bocce ball court, a shuffleboard court, game tables, and rain gardens with interpretive signage.

“The OSLAD grant funding is a testament to the collective effort to create healthier, more vibrant communities, enrich the lives of residents, and provide recreational opportunities for years to come,” said Lisa Sheppard, executive director of the Glencoe Park District, in a statement. “Implementing this grant will have a direct and positive impact on the residents of Glencoe, enhancing their access to recreational facilities and activities, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more enjoyable lifestyle for the community.”

The park district vetted West Park plans through multiple community input meetings during the grant application process. The district plans to start construction at West Park in the next year.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced on Dec. 16 that more than $55.2 million in grant funding was awarded to 100 local park projects throughout Illinois.

“This round of OSLAD grants represents long-awaited projects from the smallest villages of rural Illinois to Chicago and the suburbs,” IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said in a release. “There is an impressive amount of work, creativity, and ambition that goes into planning new outdoor recreational facilities, and I’m delighted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources can play a small part in helping communities thrive.”

Deerfield principal gets job at district office

Township High School District 113 has named Deerfield High School Principal Dr. Kathryn Anderson the chief human resources officer and deputy superintendent starting July 1.

Anderson’s appointment was approved at the district’s Dec. 17 school board meeting, and she will replace Human Resources Officer Tom Krieger, who is retiring at the end of this school year.

“Kathy brings an impressive track record of success in fostering inclusive school communities, enhancing instructional quality, and advancing organizational excellence,” said Dr. Chala Holland in a statement. “Kathy is not only a proven instructional leader, but she is a trusted operational leader, supporting the management, supervision and development of all employee groups in her building in service of the students at DHS.

“Her strong leadership, deep knowledge of systems, personnel, and intimate understanding of the District will enable her to lead enhancements for all stakeholders.”

Anderson began as DHS’s principal in 2016. Before then, she was a science teacher and assistant principal at Lane Tech College Prep.

Anderson holds a doctorate of school leadership from Concordia University; a master’s of business administration with a concentration in leadership & change management and human resource management from DePaul University; a master’s of education from American College of Education; and a master’s of secondary education from DePaul University. 

“Nine years ago, I was fortunate to join the exceptional team in District 113 as Deerfield High School principal and it is a role I have thoroughly enjoyed,” Anderson said in a district press release. “It has allowed me to form deep connections with our students, parents and caregivers, and the broader community. I am eager to expand these relationships across the entire district to lead initiatives that attract and retain a diverse, high-quality staff while implementing programs designed to enhance employee morale, engagement and professional development.

The district is now seeking a new principal for Deerfield High School.

Hundreds of toys going to tots

More than 200 toys were donated at Glencoe Village Hall for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. The Public Safety Department stuffed a squad with all the toys to deliver to their distribution center.

In Highland Park, a similar result was welcomed with more than 150 toys donated at the city’s dropoff locations.

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