At the February 21, 2023 board meeting, the board approved Carrie Coats as the new principal of Hannah Beardsley Middle School starting with the 2023-24 school year. Upon the retirement of current principal Cathy Alberth at the end of the current (2022-23) school year, Coats will assume her new position on July 1, 2023.
Coats’ career in education spans 20 years. She is currently serving her third year as principal of Gavin Central District 37 in Ingleside, Illinois. Prior to that, she was assistant principal for Big Hollow Middle School District 38 (also in Ingleside) for three and a half years. In the 16 years leading up to her positions in administration, Coats served as a 5th grade teacher at Big Hollow, a 6th grade teacher in Illinois School District U-46, and a multiage special education teacher at McHenry School District 15. She was also a director and kindergarten team lead at a parochial school in McHenry.
In her tenure in school administration, Coats has played an instrumental role in building a positive culture and climate, facilitating the school improvement planning process, creating professional development opportunities for staff, and collaborating with staff to enhance curriculum for students.
"I am very humbled and honored to be selected to be the next principal of Hannah Beardsley and to join this excellent school community," said Coats. "I can assure you that I share in this school’s dedication to caring for our students every day while providing them with a meaningful learning environment. I am excited to bring my experience, openness to learn, and child-centered approach to support both staff and students and look forward to meeting and learning more about all members of the Hannah Beardsley community."
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Coats to our leadership team,” said Dr. Kathy Hinz, superintendent. “Her knowledge and experience with curriculum in conjunction with her collaborative focus and desire to engage all stakeholders in the educational process will be an asset to Hannah Beardsley.”
