FSD 157-C Appoints Rachel Newcomb as Principal of Chelsea

Frankfort School District 157-C is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Newcomb as the Principal of Chelsea Intermediate School. Newcomb, current assistant principal of Chelsea Intermediate, was unanimously appointed to principal by the 157-C Board of Education on Wednesday, January 20. Ms. Newcomb’s first official day as principal will be July 1, 2021. She will succeed Doug Wernet, who will serve as Superintendent of FSD 157-C starting next year.

Newcomb has worked in the District for six years as assistant principal of Chelsea. In that role, Newcomb oversaw school discipline, special education, social emotional learning, and the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). She also worked closely with Mr. Wernet and the District’s six instructional coaches to plan curriculum and refine the instructional process. In addition to her work at Chelsea, Newcomb has served on multiple District-level committees, including the MTSS Committee, Professional Growth and Evaluation Committee, and the Charitable Giving Committee.

“It is a huge honor and privilege for me to work with such a talented staff. I have also been extremely grateful to work with such supportive families in our community. “I am excited to continue serving the community in this capacity as principal,” Newcomb said.

Newcomb said her future goals include upholding the tradition of high quality education in the District and ensuring that Chelsea continues to provide a positive school experience that will help all learners reach their full potential. “I am passionate about providing an environment for all students where they feel safe, supported, confident, and accepted.”

“Ms. Newcomb has been an integral part of every major initiative during her time as an assistant principal of Chelsea. She understands the specific needs of the intermediate elementary level student as she has worked in these grade levels her entire career,” Current Chelsea Principal Doug Wernet said of Ms. Newcomb’s appointment. “In addition, her passion for literacy, social emotional learning, and working with kids is entirely apparent in everything she does in our school. Ms. Newcomb’s leadership experience and constant desire to support students and staff will help her to transition to the role of the principal in strong fashion.”

This is Newcomb’s 25th year in education. Prior to her time at FSD 157-C, she taught third grade at Chippewa School in Palos Heights, and taught third and fourth grade at Crete Elementary School. She’s also been a reading interventionist, instructional coach, International Baccalaureate Coordinator, and building administrator at Coretta Scott King Magnet School in University Park. Newcomb also served as an adjunct professor at Olivet Nazarene University in Masters in Teaching and Masters in Reading programs.

Newcomb holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bradley University, a Master of Arts in Reading from St Xavier University, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lewis University.

Newcomb was also a longtime resident of Frankfort, and graduated from the 157-C.

“To move into the role of principal of the school I attended is really exciting. I am honored to be granted this opportunity,” Newcomb said.