After serving one year as principal of William Beye Elementary School, Jennifer Schemidt has decided to leave her position. Schemidt, who has served as an administrator and a school psychologist for over a decade, came to Beye in 2020, after longtime principal Jonathan Ellwanger retired.
Beye School is located at 230 N. Cuyler Ave.
The Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Board of Education looks to accept Schemidt’s resignation during its May 25 meeting, according to a press release issued May 14 by the district.
“During my time at Beye, it has been evident that our teams of teachers and staff work so hard to meet the needs of all learners,” wrote Schemidt in a letter sent to Beye families this past week. “Particularly throughout this pandemic and the numerous transitions that we have endured, the efforts of our teachers and staff have not gone unnoticed.
“I am so grateful for the perseverance, flexibility and grace demonstrated by our staff during such unbelievably trying times. This was not an easy decision for me to make and I will be forever grateful for all that we have accomplished this year.”
Schemidt plans to return to Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and take on the role of a school psychologist at Highlands Elementary School. Prior to Beye, Schemidt was at D203 and served as an assistant principal for three years at Maplebrook Elementary School.
With Schemidt’s last day at D97 slated for June 30, the board aims to have her position filled by July 1, said Amanda Siegfried, director of communications. She said school administrators are currently exploring their options to fill the principal role and plan to loop staff, students and families in the process. Siegfried said the community will be updated, as the district moves forward.
In a written statement, the district extended its gratitude toward Schemidt and her work as an educator in one of the most challenging years, calling her a “strong and capable leader.”
“Although we are disappointed to see her go, we understand that this is the right decision for her and her family, and we wish her the best as she starts this new chapter,” the district stated.
