08/01/2024

District 204 welcomes the following new administrators for the 2024-25 school year:

CAROL BETZOLD, Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary School Principal
Betzold has served as principal of Crystal Lawns Elementary School in Plainfield School District 202 since 2018. Prior to that, she was the assistant principal at Charles Reed Elementary School in Plainfield for three years and a fifth grade teacher at Freedom Elementary School in Plainfield for eight years. She was also a third grade teacher for five years at Lewis Elementary School in Solon, Ohio. Betzold earned her bachelor’s degree in human ecology from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in education from John Carroll University. 

MICHAEL ZEMAN, Longwood Elementary School Principal 
Zeman has served as principal of Centennial Elementary School in Plano Community Unit School District 88 since 2017. Prior to that, he was the assistant principal and athletic director at Plano Middle School in Plano for four years and a teacher at LaGrange Highlands Middle School in LaGrange Highlands for eight years. Zeman earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from National-Louis University. 

PATRICK RALEIGH, Gregory Middle School Assistant Principal
Raleigh has served as Director of Educational Services for grades 6-12 in Kaneland Community Unit School District 302 since 2019. Prior to that, he was the principal at Kaneland McDole Elementary School for five years. He was also a third grade teacher at Lee R. Foster Elementary School for one year and a 6/7 grade social studies teacher at Jack Hille Middle School in Forest Ridge School District 142. Raleigh earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northern Illinois University, a master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University, and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from Northern Illinois University.

RACHAEL ZOZULIA, Granger Middle School Assistant Principal
Zozulia has served as Dean of Students for the past two years at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Plainfield School District 202. She has also served as the Summer Bridge Program Administrator for one year. Prior to her time in Plainfield School District 202, she served as Director of Prevention and Education at Rosecrance in Urbana, Illinois.  Zozulia earned her bachelor’s degree in health studies from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University.

The following District 204 staff members are in a new role this year:

MICHELLE HEBENSTREIT, Patterson Elementary School Principal
Hebenstreit joined District 204 in 2006 and currently serves as the student services coordinator at Owen Elementary. Prior to that, she was the student services coordinator at Patterson Elementary for four years. She has also held teaching and interventionist positions at Cowlishaw Elementary and Graham Elementary. Hebenstreit earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in educational administration and leadership from Benedictine University. 

RYAN VANKAMPEN, Waubonsie Valley High School Assistant Principal
VanKampen joined District 204 in 2010 and currently serves as the Director of Guidance at Waubonsie Valley High School. Prior to that, he was a school counselor from 2010 - 2016. VanKampen earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from North Central College, a master’s degree in school counseling from Concordia University, and a master’s degree in School Improvement Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University.

The following District 204 retirees are in an interim role this year:

MICHELE FROST, Hill Middle School Co-Principal
Frost has a thirty-five year career in education and served as principal at Patterson Elementary in District 204 for the past
fifteen years. She also served as principal at The Wheatlands Elementary School in Oswego Community Unit School District 308 for six years. Prior to that, she was a school reviewer for the Illinois State Board of Education for two years. She also served in roles at Oswego Community Unit School District 308, Joliet School District 86, and Naperville Community Unit School District 203. Frost earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University. Frost is tentatively scheduled to start her position on September 30.

CHARLES BIBBS, Hill Middle School Co-Principal
Bibbs has served as assistant principal at Waubonsie Valley High School since 2012. He also held the position of lead administrator at the Frontier Campus in Indian Prairie School District for three years. Prior to that, he was a principal at Partners for Success in Addison for one year and dean of students at West Aurora High School for three years. He has also held positions as a middle school science technology education teacher, high school technology education coordinator, placement coordinator, and a work adjustment counselor. Bibbs earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial education from Mississippi State University, a master’s degree in industrial education technology from  Alabama A&M University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University. Bibbs is tentatively scheduled to start his position on September 30.