Lake County Gazette

District 181 has recognized Principal Sara Olson of Elm School during Principal Appreciation Month, acknowledging her leadership and contributions to the school community.

Principal Olson began her role in District 181 on July 1, 2018. Before joining the district, she worked as an elementary school principal in North Palos School District 117 for seven years. While there, she led Sorrick School to earn the Illinois ExcelRate Gold Circle of Excellence twice. She also oversaw a junior high that received a National Blue Ribbon Award, and the district was honored with the Academic Excellence Award from the State of Illinois.

Since her arrival at District 181, Olson has been noted for her focus on student learning and her knowledge of effective educational practices. She has helped create a collaborative culture at Elm School by building strong relationships with students, staff, and parents. Her efforts have been recognized with the ISBE "Those Who Excel" award.

A statement from District 181 administration said: "On behalf of the entire District 181 administration, we thank Principal Olson. Her passion for education and tireless efforts to create a nurturing and enriching environment for our students are truly inspiring. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as a leader in District 181."

District 181 includes schools in DuPage and Cook counties, such as Elm Elementary School, Clarendon Hills Middle School, Hinsdale Middle School, Madison Elementary School, Monroe Elementary School, Oak Elementary School, Prospect Elementary School, The Lane Elementary School, and Walker School. More information about these schools can be found at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, District 181 employs 282 teachers who earn an average salary of $94,227 before pension contributions. Ninety percent of teachers are women and ten percent are men. There are no teachers in the district with more than ten absences in a school year. Details on staffing can be accessed at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.

The student population in District 181 is made up of 69.8 percent White students, 1.1 percent Black students, 6.8 percent Hispanic students, and 15.4 percent Asian students (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, District 181 spent $31,308 per student for a total expenditure of $117 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).