Three named to new principal roles

Plainfield – The District 202 Board of Education approved the appointment of three new principals at its May 9, 2022 regular meeting.

Kirsten Kilday will serve as principal at Liberty Elementary School, Megan Urban will serve as principal at Wesmere Elementary School, and Karyn Holstead will serve as the principal at Plainfield Academy.

They start their new roles July 1, 2022.

Kirsten Kilday, Liberty Elementary School

Kilday is a 23-year education veteran including 22 years in District 202. She currently serves as the assistant principal at Walker’s Grove Elementary School.

She started her career in 1999 as a fifth-grade teacher at Reed School in Lockport.

Kilday came to District 202 in 2000 as a fourth and fifth-grade teacher at Meadow View Elementary School.

“I’m looking forward to meeting a new community of students, families, and teachers,” Kilday said.

“I hope to build on traditions already in place at Liberty and inspire lifelong learning,” she said.

Jennifer Orlos, Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Personnel praised Kilday’s experience and educational background.

“Ms. Kilday has the presence, integrity, demeanor, and vision to carry on the strong leadership already present at Liberty Elementary,” Orlos said.

Kilday is replacing Michelle Imbordino.

Karyn Holstead, Plainfield Academy

Holstead is a 25-year education veteran and has been at Plainfield Academy since 2006.

She spent all but one year of her career in alternative education including teaching at the Academy for nine years before becoming its Assistant Principal in 2016.

“I am excited to continue working with the students, staff, and families of the best alternative school around,” Holstead said.

Tim Albores, District 202 Director of Student Services for High School and ED/Alternative Programs praised Holstead’s commitment to and passion for the Academy.

“Her passion and dedication to the students, staff, and parents of Plainfield Academy programs made it abundantly clear that she is the right candidate for the position and will continue to lead this remarkable building forward.”

Holstead is replacing Marcus Lyke.

Megan Urban, Wesmere Elementary School

Urban started her education career in 2007 as a special education teacher in New Lenox, Illinois. She came to District 202 in 2018 as the Assistant Principal at Liberty Elementary School.

Urban is currently the Elementary Special Education Administrator for Charles Reed, Thomas Jefferson, and Wallin Oaks elementary schools.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the Wesmere community,” Urban said.

“I look forward to working closely with the community, staff, and students to develop this generation of learners,” she said.

Urban will be a great addition to Wesmere, Orlos said.

“Ms. Urban's instructional leadership and ability to build positive relationships within the community will serve her well as the new Principal at Wesmere Elementary School,” she said.

Urban will replace Dr. Debra Coberley.