Lake County Gazette

At its Jan. 28, 2025, meeting, the Community High School Board of Education approved the recommendation of hiring Vernon Hills High School Assistant Principal Andy Young as the next VHHS principal. Young will begin his new position on July 1, 2025, filling the role after current principal Jon Guillaume retires at the end of this school year.

“Following an extensive interview process, it was evident that Dr. Young was the ideal candidate for this position,” said Co-Interim Superintendent Ray Lechner. “His dedication to the school community, staff professional learning, and the growth and achievement of students is unwavering. ”

D128 Board of Education President Jim Batson added, “We were fortunate to have such an outstanding internal candidate. He is a true Cougar, and we are confident he will continue the legacy of excellence that Guillaume and his team have established. ”

Young began his career at Rantoul Township High School as a civics and contemporary issues teacher. In fall 2008, he moved to Chicago to teach world history at Golder College Prep High School. Beginning in 2010, he served as Dean of Student Services through the 2014 school year when he transitioned to Assistant Principal. Young was named Director of Programming and Data Analysis at Vernon Hills High School beginning with the 2015-2016 school year. His responsibilities included coordinating student testing, registration and enrollment, master schedule development, and school-wide data analysis. In 2022-2023, Young transitioned to supporting Learning Support Teams (LST) and school counselors with his role changing to Assistant Principal for Student Services.

Young earned a Doctoral Degree from the University of Illinois in Educational Leadership and Policy, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in History Education from Illinois State University.