NORTH PARK — The No. 1-ranked high school in the state is losing its top administrator at the end of the school year.
Barry Rodgers, principal of Northside College Prep, 5501 N. Kedzie Ave., has accepted the principal position at Lake Forest High School, succeeding Jay Hoffmann, effective July 1.
Lake Forest Supt. Michael Simeck notified parents of Rodgers' hiring late last week, as reported by the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Gazebo News.
"Mr. Rodgers is an industry leader who, with a team of caring professionals and strong community support, has achieved significant accomplishments. At Northside, he assisted in creating a vibrant learning atmosphere, which places great emphasis on exciting learning environments and work/life balance," Simeck wrote in his announcement.
"I am pleased to say that Lake Forest High School will be getting one of the state’s and nation’s leading professionals as its principal next year."
Rodgers, in turn, posted a note to Northside's Facebook page on Saturday.
"There are times in life when it is best to move on and accept new challenges for one’s personal and professional growth," the message said.
"I leave Northside with many happy memories, many true friends, and a profound sense of gratitude."
Northside's Local School Council is now tasked with the job of choosing a new principal. The council did not respond to DNAinfo.com's request for comment.
Founded in 1999, Northside College Prep is one of Chicago Public Schools' premier college prep selective enrollment high schools. A 2012 report card shows that students earned an ACT composite test score of 29.2. The school enrolls approximately 1,060 students.
By way of comparison, Lake Forest enrolls close to 1,700 students and the 2012 report card shows an ACT composite of 26.9.
A database search of Illinois school administrator's salaries shows that in 2011, Rodgers, a former science teacher, earned $141,690, with 21 years of experience and a master's degree. Hoffman earned $184,733, with the same experience and education.
