ESD 159 Principal, Shahran Etherly Selected as Elementary School Principal of the Year for the South Cook Region
Accolades continue for ESD 159 Mrs. Shahran Etherly as she was selected Elementary School Principal of the Year of the South Cook Region. Her excellence and commitment to her school and the entire ESD 159 school district is recognized by her peers and throughout the South Cook Region.
Mrs. Etherly has been the principal of Neil Armstrong for nine years and her colleagues agree that she is worthy of this esteem acknowledgement. She has invested her efforts, not only in the school, but the Village of Richton Park, collaborating with municipal leaders, staff, and the community to provide holistic learning opportunities for her students.
Principal Etherly begins each day with a positive announcement for her students and staff. Throughout her school, are encouraging and uplifting messages. She holds her quarterly “Etherly Espresso” meet and greet with families, interacting with them to address their concerns. Her positive impact serves as a testament of her commitment to the present and future of her students, and a true partnership with her parents.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tiffany Brunson, commented on Principal Etherly’s leadership saying, “for the past nine years she has led the Neil Armstrong Astros and its school community with strong effective leadership and has created a student-centered, collaborative environment that truly embodies our core values.” Neil Armstrong’s Assistant Principal, Michelle Tancredi added, “Mrs. Etherly is the epitome of what a principal should be. She greets students as they enter the building each day and is truly visible to the students and staff. Mrs. Etherly has a deep commitment to the success and well-being of both students and staff. She empowers both students and staff to thrive in an environment of mutual respect and high achievement.”
“Mrs. Etherly is a leader who sees the big picture and inspires staff, parents, and students in the pursuit of the highest levels of learning and achievement. She has superior knowledge of pedagogy, elementary curriculum and everything that is Neil Armstrong School, which is showcased in her presentations to the Board of Education several times during the school year”, said Elementary School District 159 School Board Member Kimberly Johnson. “The Board of Education is proud of her well-deserved recognition” she said.
Principal Etherly’s outreach to the Richton Park community is highly recognized. “In the community, her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Principal Spears-Etherly has received many awards and acknowledgements including the 2023 Village of Richton Park Citizen Award due to her outstanding leadership during a crisis event at the school. This effort was complimented by the Richton Park Board of Trustees passing a proclamation honoring her and her team for their bravery and quick actions” said Richton Park Village President Rick Reinbold.
In addition to being the recipient of the 2023 Village of Richton Park Citizen Award, in the Spring of 2024, Principal Etherly received a Special Recognition Award from Superintendent Brunson and the Board of Education for her excellence. She was also selected as a Southland Principal of Excellence by South Suburban News in the Summer 2024.