Board Names New Oswego East Principal

OSWEGO, IL — Less than a week after Principal Scott Savage announced his resignation, Oswego East High School has a new principal. District 308 saidTuesday that Laura Pastirik-Bankowski will take over the role for the 2017-18 school year. Pastirik-Bankowski, currently the assistant principal for curriculum and instruction, has been with OEHS since 2014, according to the district.

"Laura’s focus on advancing student learning along with her commitment to the Oswego East community will ensure a smooth transition,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sparlin said in a news release.

Pastirik-Bankowski is OEHS' fifth new principal since 2013. That was the year Dr. Louis Lee was hired to replace Jeffrey Craig as OEHS principal, only to resign in March 2014 to accept an assistant superintendent position in the Indian Prairie School District. Lee was succeeded by Todd Martens, who was hired in June 2014 and resigned the following December for personal reasons. Savage was then hired to replace Martens.

Pastirik-Bankowski started her career in education as a social science teacher, according to District 308. In 2007, she moved to Ottawa Township High School, where she served in various roles as director of the English learners program, director of the Title I program, assistant principal for student attendance and discipline and assistant principal for curriculum and instruction.

• Savage Resigns, Search Underway For New OEHS Principal

“Three years ago, I had the privilege of beginning my journey at Oswego East as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction. Very quickly, I fell in love with the staff, parents, students, and community as they welcomed me and made me feel like I had come home,” she said in a news release.“East is an incredible place to work and I look forward to coming here every day. I am honored for this opportunity to serve as the Principal of Oswego East High School and to continue to embody the EAST motto of Excellence, Academics, Spirit and Tradition.”

Image via District 308