UPDATE: District 58 promotes two to new roles

Positions at Herrick Middle and Lester schools are open after the promotion of two Downers Grove Grade School District 58 faculty members.

The School Board voted March 9 to make Lester School Principal Jayne Yudzentis the assistant superintendent for personnel and staff development. Her annual salary will be $110,500.

Jason Lynde will step up from assistant principal to principal at Herrick Middle School with an annual salary of $84,260.

Yudzentis began her career in education in 1990 as a middle school math teacher. She has been principal at Lester for six years. Prior to that, she served as assistant principal at Herrick for two years.

“I am very excited,” Yudzentis said. “I really feel I have been fortunate to be part of the Downers Grove community for the past eight years.”

Lynde has worked as assistant principal at Herrick for the past three years. He also taught special education at the school for six years.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” Lynde said. “This is a building I’m committed to. It’s familiar, but at the same time we have a lot of improvements to make in the next few years.”

Lynde will be filling a vacancy left by Principal Mark Manzi, who is retiring from Herrick at the end of the school year. Yudzentis will take over for Larry Bending, who was serving as interim superintendent for personnel and staff development.

“(Yudzentis’) skills, thoughtful approach and knowledge will serve District 58 well in her new role. Jason is a conscientious administrator who is passionate, fair, decisive and devoted to student achievement,” Superintendent Paul Zaander said in a written statement.

A team of teachers, parents and administrative staff conducted the interviews for both vacancies.
Yudzentis and Lynde will begin their new roles for the 2009-10 school year.