The School District of Elmbrook's Board of Education confirmed the Administration's recommendation of Kelly Szesterniak as Principal of Pilgrim Park Middle School at its board meeting on Tuesday, March 19. Mrs. Szesterniak is currently the Principal of Thomas Jefferson Middle School for the Mt. Lebanon School District in Pennsylvania, a position she has held since 2015.

"Kelly Szesterniak comes to Pilgrim Park with extensive experience in visionary educational leadership from around the country and a comprehensive range of skills to meet the needs of our students and families," said Superintendent Mark Hansen. "Mrs. Szesterniak rose to the top of a number of qualified applicants and as an Elmbrook alumna has first-hand knowledge and experience of what positive leadership is in Elmbrook."

"As an Elmbrook graduate, I am exceptionally honored to have been selected as the Principal of Pilgrim Park," said Mrs. Szesterniak. "I look forward to being a part of Pilgrim Park's leadership team and serving the students, staff, and families of this incredible school."

Prior to her current role, Mrs. Szesterniak held various educational positions including Science and Math teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and Assistant Principal at Lakeside Middle School in Irvine, CA; Assistant Principal of Andrew W. Mellon Middle School; Principal of Herbert C. Hoover Elementary School; and Principal of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay (2002), her Master of Science in Educational Administration and School Leadership from California State University (2007).

Mrs. Szesterniak replaces current Principal Mark Peperkorn, and she will begin her role as Principal of Pilgrim Park in July, 2019.