New Principal Appointed At Lester Elementary School

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Lester Elementary School in Downers Grove has appointed a new principal to succeed Carin Novak, who will retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year.

Novak's replacement is Katie Novosel, who has served as assistant principal of Lester since 2016. Novosel's appointment was approved by Downers Grove Grade School District 58 during its March 8 meeting.

Prior to her time as Lester Elementary School's assistant principal, Novosel taught first grade for seven years and also worked as a Response to Intervention (RTI) specialist at Riverside District 96 and Lyons District 103. Novosel earned her bachelor's degree in education from Illinois State University before earning master's degrees in principal preparation and curriculum and instruction from Concordia University.

Novosel was selected to replace Novak following a stringent interview process that involved district parents, staff and administrators, in addition to a student focus group.

"The interview teams described Mrs. Novosel as child-centered, supportive, energetic, intelligent, caring and thoughtful," District 58 Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell said in a news release.

Russell went on, "Additionally, as Lester’s current assistant principal, Mrs. Novosel has cultivated strong relationships with her school community and goes to great lengths to support her students, staff and families. She is already a beloved member of the Lester community, and I have complete confidence that she will serve as an exceptional principal!"

Novosel, who lives in Downers Grove and has two children in District 58 schools, said, “It is truly an honor to be chosen to serve as the next principal of Lester School."

Novosel's appointment takes effect July 1.