The Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education on May 15 unanimously voted to appoint new assistant principals for Riley, Tarkington and Whitman Elementary Schools.
Ali Padalik will join the Rams at Riley as its new assistant principal, effective July 1. She succeeds Jonathan Sanchez, who stepped down from the position after one year. Padalik has spent the past 13 years as a classroom and ESL teacher within the district, most recently as the literacy interventionist at Tarkington.
In recommending her approval, district administrators said Padalik distinguished herself as “someone who understands the importance of listening to students, staff and families.” Further, she played a key role on the multi-tiered student supports committee at Tarkington to improve student growth and achievement.
“I look forward to utilizing my background as an EL teacher to help foster and grow student achievement,” Padalik said. “This new role offers a chance to develop leadership skills, collaborate with a wider range of stakeholders – including administrators, parents, and the community – and influence school-wide policies and initiatives. I am excited to contribute to a positive and effective learning environment for all students and to make a difference in the lives of students and the school community as a whole.”
Melissa Kulbeda will join the district as Tarkington’s assistant principal, also effective July 1. She succeeds Jillian Dorn, who in February was named as the new principal for the elementary school. Kulbeda has spent the past five years as a talent development coach in West Northfield School District 31. Before that role, she served as an elementary school teacher for 15 years.
District administrators said Kulbeda “values the importance of creating and maintaining relationships with all stakeholders,” and is committed to equitable, engaging and safe learning experiences for all students.
“I am thrilled to be joining District 21 and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the Tarkington community,” Kulbeda said. “This role represents a chance to live out my passion for fostering equitable and engaging learning experiences for every student.”
Diana Granados will shift over to Whitman to become its new assistant principal, effective July 1. She succeeds Lisa Applequist, who in May was announced as the new principal for neighboring Twain Elementary School. Granados has spent the past year as the district’s language services coordinator. Before that, she served as a teacher in Round Lake Area School District 116 and as a teacher in a two-way dual-language immersion program in Elk Grove-based Community Consolidated School District 59.
District administrators said Granados’ knowledge of best practices in the classroom and how to best support English language learners, made her an ideal candidate for the role.
“Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to learn and grow so much—not just about our amazing district, but also about the incredible staff across different schools and roles,” Granados said. “I can’t wait to continue building on those connections and to work alongside our awesome leadership team. I’m passionate about creating a school environment where every student feels seen, supported, and challenged, and where collaboration and growth are at the heart of everything we do. Here’s to a new chapter full of learning, laughter, and helping every child thrive!”
In addition to her school-year responsibilities as assistant principal, Granados is also expected to maintain district-level responsibilities supporting the Language Services Department.
CCSD21
EMPOWERING EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY
