Student director of learning at Oak Park high school to ‘hit the ground running’ as new principal of East Leyden in Franklin Park

A current administrator at the high school in Oak Park will be the principal of East Leyden High School starting next school year, Leyden High School District 212 officials announced.

Julie Lam will start as head of the school, located in Franklin Park, as of July 1. But a SD212 spokeswoman told Pioneer Press that Lam is expected to work with outgoing Principal Dominic Manola “on a transition plan” and will likely be at the school ahead of that official start date.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Lam to the Leyden Family. Her vast experiences in the classroom and in both building and district administrative roles have prepared her to hit the ground running at East Leyden next year,” Superintendent Nick Polyak stated in a news release announcing the hire.

District 212 spokeswoman Karen Geddeis explained there were 37 who applied for the position. Twelve emerged from that initial pool and were interviewed by a screening committee that included faculty, staff, administrators and students. That selection was pared to four finalists, with Lam ultimately picked as the one for the job.

“She has demonstrated a strong ability to continue leading the work that has been established at East, while also bringing her own knowledge and expertise to build additional supports that meet the changing needs of our communities,” Polyak stated in the release.

The school board approved Lam’s hire at its April 18 meeting.

“I understand the amazing responsibility of leading a school and look forward to the opportunity to do so at East Leyden High School,” said Lam.

Lam will take over from Manola who was appointed SD212 assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

Lam is currently the director of student learning at Oak Park-River Forest High School in nearby Oak Park. Her experience also includes being assistant principal of curriculum and instruction and assistant director of secondary education at Oswego Community Unit School District 308 in the far west suburbs.

She began her education career as a high school science teacher, and previously worked as a scientist at the Museum of Science and Industry, according to the release. Lam earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University, a master’s degree from University of Arizona and earned her doctorate from Northern Illinois University.

According to the terms of her July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 contract, obtained by Pioneer Press, Lam will be paid an annual salary of $185,000 plus contributions to a pension fund.

East Leyden is one of two high schools in District 212 and enrolls more than 1,800 students and has about 120 full-time teachers. By comparison, OPRFHS has about 3,260 students and nearly 240 full-time teachers.

“I am filled with joy to join the Leyden team,” said Lam.