The principal of Dewey Elementary School, Andalib Khelghati, has been named assistant superintendent of schools for Evanston/Skokie School District 65, effective July 1, replacing John Price, who was recently appointed superintendent of schools for District 187 in North Chicago.
Donna Sokolowski, Dewey’s assistant principal, has been selected by Superintendent Paul Goren to serve as Dewey’s interim principal next year while the search process for a new principal takes place. That process will begin next school year, Goren said, and will incorporate feedback from the school community.
Khelghati has been principal at Dewey for the last six years. Previously, he has taught at both the elementary and middle school levels and held roles as a literacy staff developer and an assistant principal.
In his new role, Khelghati will be responsible for leadership and oversight of all elementary, middle, and magnet schools, Goren said. He will work closely with Stacy Beardsley, who leads the district’s curriculum and instruction department, Goren added, and will be responsible for fostering growth and professional learning for principals.
“I could not be more pleased to have Andalib join our senior leadership team,” Goren said in a statement. “He was an ideal candidate for this important role and brings a depth of knowledge of our school district and our community.”
The elevation of Kelghati was unanimously approved by the District 65 school board at a meeting this week. The board also named Kathy Zalewski, business manager, to be school treasurer, effective July 1. That designation has been held by Dr. Mary Brown, assistant superintendent of business services, who has announced her retirement at the end of this school year.