Buffalo Grove High School Principal Selected Illinois High School Principal of the Year

             Buffalo Grove High School Principal Carol Burlinski has been named Illinois High School Principal of the Year by Horace Mann and the Illinois Principals Association (IPA). The award honors high school principals who have demonstrated a positive impact on their students and learning community.  Honorees are recognized for their creativity, advocacy for students, willingness to take risks, problem-solving ability, collaborative efforts with staff in furthering educational goals and student achievement, and promoting community involvement in the life of their schools.

     “This is a well-deserved honor,” said Dr. David R. Schuler, superintendent. “Carol has done a tremendous job as an educational leader in our school district. I could not be more proud.”

            Burlinski will retire this June upon completing her 39th year as a teacher and administrator. After teaching in a private school in Chicago, she was hired by High School District 214 in 1986 as a social science teacher at John Hersey High School.  She became associate principal for instruction at Buffalo Grove in 2002, and was named principal in 2008.

     During Burlinski’s tenure as Buffalo Grove’s principal, ACT scores have increased among changing demographics, 822 students have enrolled and achieved in Advanced Placement classes, and the new initiatives of a Literacy Lab and a freshman advisory program have made a significant impact. With Burlinski at the helm, the 23-year cultural exchange program with the Viennese school Kundmanngasse Gymnasium has continued to flourish, the Mandarin-Chinese language program began and grew from entry level to Advanced Placement classes, and use of iPad tablets started as a pilot program with one teacher involved to the devices being used in classes throughout every department in the school.   

     “It is a privilege to lead this amazing community of staff, students and families, and I thank them for their continuous support, encouragement, and confidence in me,” said Burlinski. “I certainly am hoping to spend more time with my incredible family and dear friends in retirement. I also intend to stay active in an educational setting, because I still get excited about coming to school every day and want to continue to be a part of the academic success of young people. I am hoping there will be an opportunity where I may contribute in a positive way.”

     This marks the second consecutive year that a District 214 principal has received this prestigious award. Last year, former Wheeling High School Principal Dr. Lazaro Lopez was named Illinois High School Principal of the Year.

            “This back-to-back honor says a lot about the quality of students, staff, and the community,” said Schuler. “This recognition is an affirmation of us having outstanding schools and school leaders.” 

            At the Illinois Principals Association’s annual fall conference in October, Burlinski will be honored and receive a monetary award. She is ineligible to be considered for National High School Principal of the Year due to her retirement.