News Briefs: New Wilmette JH principal; Clubhouse breaks ground with major donations; 3 admin announcements for Winnetka 36

Wilmette Public Schools District 39 has selected Jon Baffico as the next principal of Wilmette Junior High School.

Baffico, whom the School Board approved on May 19, previously was the principal at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights for three years and takes over his new position on July 1.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to begin my journey as the new principal at Wilmette Junior High,” Baffico said in a statement. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our dedicated staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive families to foster an environment of growth, learning, and success for everyone.” 

Baffico reportedly carries 29 years of experience as a teacher and administrator, the last 12 as a high school principal. Prior to Saint Viator, Baffico spent nine years as the principal at Saint Patrick High School on the North Side.

He began his educational career in 1996 as a mathematics teacher at Carmel High School. After 13 years at the Mundelein school, he made the move into administration, serving as the assistant principal at Algonquin Middle School from 2009-’13, before accepting the principal position at Saint Patrick ahead of the 2013-14 academic year. 

Baffico will replace Kate Dominique, who was hired as WJH principal prior to the 2020-’21 school year.

Glencoe clubhouse breaks ground with major donations

Glencoe officials and community members ceremoniously broke ground on the Glencoe Golf Club’s new clubhouse on May 19.

Glencoe Village Manager Phil Kiraly provided details of the 10,000-square-foot, 290-capacity facility that will also include geothermal HVAC and use all electric equipment.

Glencoe voters supported the $18 million project via referendum in 2023 to get things started. The Friends of the Glencoe Golf Club are raising further funding to supplement the $15 million coming from taxpayers.

Friends of The Glencoe Golf Club announced during the ceremony that it has already raised $2 million toward the $3 million goal of its special fundraising campaign.

The campaign will support the entire project, which includes a croquet court, short game practice area, event lawn, monarch sanctuary, pollinator and community gardens, winter recreation areas, bicycle repair station, and nature and environmental programs.

“Friends of The Glencoe Golf Club has a vision for the project where public funds and private donors are brought together to build a comprehensive community resource, accessible to everyone,” said Gillian Goodman, vice chairperson of the Friends, in a press release. “At the new Glencoe Golf Club, recreational and leisure activities and special environmental programs will connect young people, adults and families to one another and to nature. We invite the entire community to join in supporting this exciting vision!”

Glencoe Golf Club General Manager Stella Nanos also announced that The Ellis Goodman Family Foundation made a seven-figure contribution to support the project. And The Klaff Family Foundation also made a significant contribution to support nature and environmental programs for youth and adults.

Crow Island gets new principal and other Winnetka admin changes

Anna Trilla was approved on May 20 as the next principal for Crow Island School in Winnetka. She will begin her new post on July 1.

Trilla is currently the assistant principal at Walt Disney Magnet School, the largest elementary school in Chicago. She reportedly will work closely with current Crow Island Principal Luke Livingston, who will be the new leader at Carleton Washburne School.

In addition at the meeting May 20, Emily Castillo-Oh was approved as assistant principal of The Skokie School and Dana Ruecker (current Crow Island School psychologist) as assistant director for student services, equity and inclusion.

A message from District 36 says that Ruecker “is a phenomenal relationship builder and experienced problem solver who has demonstrated leadership in ensuring students receive behavioral and academic supports tailored to their individual needs.”

Castillo-Oh “is a goal-oriented leader, with experience creating innovative programs, fostering professional learning, and enhancing learning outcomes,” the release says. Castillo-Oh has worked as an instructional leader in Evanston/Skokie School District 65 and North Shore District 112.

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