MOUNT GREENWOOD — Principal Delena Little of the Keller Regional Gifted Center in Mount Greenwood plans to retire in September.
The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon in an email from Local School Council chairperson Chad Syverson and vice chairperson Kathern Williams. The message also states that the process to replace the outgoing principal will begin immediately.
"We will adhere to CPS' required policies and procedures, which include advertising the position and reviewing applications prior to interviewing candidates and/or making a final selection," the co-signed email said.
Little was unable to be reached for comment shortly after the email was sent. The email said only that she was retiring "to pursue new opportunities."
Syverson would not comment on Little's reasons for leaving the school with an accelerated curriculum designed to challenge gifted students. However, he admitted to being surprised by the news that came during an organizational meeting last week.
"I appreciate all the time and effort Dr. Little has put into making Keller a great school," he said.
Syverson said Little led the school at 3020 W. 108th St. for 5½ years. In that time, the pair had a good working relationship, and the selective-enrollment elementary school remained ranked among the best in Illinois.
In fact, the school with 238 students in first through eighth grades tied for having the highest score in the state last year with Decatur Classical School in West Ridge on a standardized exam that focuses on problem-solving and critical thinking.
The PARCC or Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers exam is given annually to elementary school students in third- through eighth-grade.
"The record of the school speaks for itself in many ways. I think people associated with our school are proud of it," said Syverson, who added that CPS' Office of School Community Relations will guide the LSC through the principal search process.
"We welcome comments, suggestions and questions from parents and interested community members," Syverson's email says.
