Seventeen new staff members, including teachers and specialists, are joining Oak Lawn Community High School in Illinois for the 2026-27 academic year, expanding support across multiple departments and student services
Oak Lawn Community High School in Oak Lawn, Illinois, is welcoming 17 new staff members for the 2026-27 school year, marking a significant expansion in both teaching and student support roles. The additions include educators and specialists across English, science, social science, special education, psychology, social work, technology, music, administration, and student support services.
Among the new hires, Richard Kurek will serve as the English, Social Science and Media Services Division Chair, while Victoria Schwarz steps in as the new special education director. The school is also bringing in Hannah Isenmann as a science teacher, Noe Gallegos as a social science teacher, and Kelly Grba as a music teacher. Luke Sakal joins the English department, and Natasha Wadhwa will be the school psychologist. The counseling department expands with Tasneem Hamed as a social worker.
Expanded Support and Instructional Roles
Special education services will be strengthened with Robert Neylon and Danielle Nicosia joining as special education teachers. Instructional assistants Joeal Ammar and Leilani Guzman will provide additional classroom support. DeBorah Pusateri has been appointed as a technology specialist, and Jacob Abeja will take on the role of Achieve teacher, focusing on student achievement initiatives.
Administrative and substitute coverage is also increasing. Maralee Ramos Reyes has been hired as the 10-month departmental secretary in the Dean's Office, while Abigail Edwards, Ahmad Jarad, and Jannah Mahmoud will serve as full-time substitute teachers. These appointments are intended to help create a more supportive and effective learning environment for students throughout the school year.
Broader Context and Local Developments
The addition of new staff at Oak Lawn Community High School comes as area schools prepare for the upcoming academic year with expanded resources and updated calendars. For example, Evergreen Park ESD 124 recently released its 2026-27 school year schedule, with key dates for K-8 and preschool students now available to families. Details on those changes can be found in this recent report on local school calendar updates.
Oak Lawn Community High School serves a diverse student body and is part of a broader effort among Illinois schools to enhance educational offerings and student support. The new hires reflect a commitment to meeting the needs of students in both academic and social-emotional areas, ensuring that the school is prepared to address challenges and opportunities in the coming year.
Staffing changes such as these are typically planned in advance of the school year to ensure a smooth transition for both students and faculty. The school's leadership has prioritized filling key roles to maintain continuity in instruction and support services, which is especially important as enrollment and student needs evolve.
