East View Full-Day Kindergarten Center Gets Principal

The School Board approved Monday night the hiring of Boulder Hill Elementary School Assistant Principal Kathy Melton as principal for the East View Elementary School full-day kindergarten program for next year.

Melton was chosen from a group 80 candidates and has four children of her own in the district. Before going to Boulder Hill, Melton worked as an assistant principal at

“Kathy is a highly motivated, team player whose efforts have helped establish and maintain positive learning environments at both Plank Junior High and Boulder Hill Elementary Schools,” said a document presented to the board. “Her excellent communication skills and passionate commitment to the growth of students and staff make her a great fit for opening our Full-Day Kindergarten Center.”

Melton received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of St. Francis and her master’s degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University.  She is working on a doctorate in educational administration from NIU.

In Illinois, 86 percent of schools have full-day kindergarten and 72 percent of students are enrolled in full-day kindergarten. School districts do not have to offer full-day kindergarten, but if they do they must also offer a half-day option.

Registration began in January, which was much earlier than previous years because the district needed to determine how many new teachers to hire and what elementary schools will be able to provide full-day kindergarten.

Final registration is Friday and parents must indicate if they want the full or half day by Friday, April 1.