dr clark

At its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, May 3, the Board of Education of Chicago Heights School District 170 approved the appointment of Dr. Maricela Clark as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, effective July 1, 2021.

In her new position, Maricela will assume the role currently held by Mary Kay Entsminger, who is retiring on June 30.

“I am honored and excited to have been selected to assume the position of Assistant Superintendent,” Clark said.

“I believe that schools should provide all students with a learning environment that instills values and prepares students for life success and strongly believes in educating the whole child.”

“The school/home relationship is vitally important in ensuring the success of the educational dynamic and must be nurtured as an essential, impactful, and powerful relationship that contributes to student success,” she concluded.

A veteran of 22-years in the district, Dr. Clark has fulfilled such diverse roles as a substitute teacher, teacher, Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach, Assistant Principal at Washington-McKinley School, Principal of the Griffin Early Childhood Center, Director of Bilingual Studies, and as Principal of Garfield School for the past eight years. She also has served on various curricular committees and district-led instructional initiatives.

“School District 170 has allowed me to grow professionally under the dynamic leadership of current and former district office personnel. I have been fortunate and blessed to work with Superintendent Tom Amadio and Assistant Superintendents Entsminger, Laretta Adams, and Jill Raymond. Each of them embraces their responsibilities as dedicated servants to the community of Chicago Heights, and I hope to continue the tradition of excellence that they have provided for our service community.”

Dr. Clark earned her degree of Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from The University of St. Francis, and Master of Education in Administration, and Master of Education as Reading Specialist degrees from Governors State University.

“Based on her myriad talents and vast and diverse experience, I know that Maricela will be an invaluable asset in continuing the tremendous educational opportunities and outstanding learning environment in our district,” Superintendent Amadio said.