Buffalo Grove High School Names New Principal, Associate Principal

Buffalo Grove High School will have a new principal and associate principal at the helm next year.

Jeff Wardle has been named principal beginning with the 2014-15 school year. He will replace Carol Burlinski, who will retire in June after leading the school for six years.

Wardle, who is currently the math and science division head at Hersey High School, is no stranger to Buffalo Grove. He taught math there from 2005 until he was appointed to his Hersey post in 2008. Prior to that, he taught math and Spanish at Palatine High School. He has also served as a teacher and department chair at schools in Venezuela and Mexico.

Meanwhile, Jill Maraldo, who lives in Buffalo Grove, has been appointed as Buffalo Grove’s new associate principal for instruction. She will replace Sue Carley, who earlier in the year announced she will return to the classroom.

Maraldo has serves as director for innovative learning in School District 109 in Deerfield since 2009. 

She and Wardle were chosen for their experience leading curriculum development and their innovative approaches to learning, District 214 said in a statement.

“We’re confident that Jeff and Jill’s shared philosophies, vision and approach will support the great work already happening at Buffalo Grove and take the school to even higher levels,” District 214 Superintendent David Schuler said. “They have extensive experience creating innovative curriculum and linking the latest technology to classroom learning, and that will be a tremendous asset as we strive to deliver a comprehensive, relevant education to every student in the school.” 

Wardle has overseen the implementation of an iPad pilot program in physics, biology and chemistry; instituted a variety of forums on math and science topics to help students make connections with other subject areas; led district-wide training on technology designed to enhance student achievement; and piloted methods to reach at-risk and minority students. During his time at Hersey, student growth in math and science achievement has reached an all-time high, according to the school district.

“I’m thrilled to return to Buffalo Grove,” Wardle said. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with Jill and the staff to honor the tradition that’s already established while also looking for new ways to engage our students in critical thinking, excite them about learning and forge pathways that prepare them for future success in college and careers after they leave high school.”

Wardle holds a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from Aurora University and a second master’s degree in educational leadership from National-Louis University.

Maraldo launched her career in 1997 as an English teacher and administrative intern in New York. She worked as an English teacher at Glenbrook North High School and in roles with Pearson Education in Glenview and the Career Education Corporation in Hoffman Estates before being appointed to her current position in Deerfield.

She has developed online courses and classes utilizing blogs, web-based learning and instructional technology; implemented 21st century skills curriculum and assessments; led iPad initiatives; and is the founder and moderator of #ILEdchat, a weekly Twitter chat for educators. 

“As a Buffalo Grove resident, I’m eager to bring my passion for innovative teaching and learning to a school in my community,” Maraldo said. “Education is always evolving, and I look forward to working side-by-side with teachers, students and administrators toward continued growth.”

She is completing a doctorate in educational administration and supervision at Loyola University and holds a master’s degree in secondary education from St. Thomas Aquinas College in New York.