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Winnetka District 36 names veteran administrator to new inclusion, diversity post

Pioneer Press Newspapers - 12/1/2020

Dec. 1--A veteran educator who has served at school districts in River Forest and Elgin has been named to a new director of diversity and inclusion administrative position at Winnetka School District 36.

Denise Matthews, who was hired as the district's director of student services, inclusion and equity, will begin her role in Winnetka on July 1, 2021, at a salary of $150,000, according to public records.

The district's current Director of Student Services, Beth Martin, is retiring in June 2021, officials said.

"Ms. Matthews' extensive leadership experience, which ranges from serving in various roles in school- and district-level administration to almost a decade as a special education teacher, will be an asset to students, families and staff," Superintendent Trisha Kocanda said in a statement.

"It is evident that Ms. Matthews also has extensive expertise in literacy and a passion for social emotional learning, two key areas that align with our district's current goals," Kocanda said.

Matthews most recently served as director of special education for District 90 in River Forest and worked as assistant director of specialized student services in Elgin-based School District U-46. She said in a statement that she is looking forward to joining the team in Winnetka.

"I am eager to begin building relationships with district educators and families to further develop an environment of inclusive excellence for all learners," Matthews said.

Matthews, who has two master's degrees, one in Educational Leadership and Administration and another in Language, Literacy and Specialized Instruction from DePaul University, also has a bachelor of arts degree in English Education from the University of Belize.

A previous Golden Apple Award nominee, Matthews was twice named Special Education Teacher of the Year while teaching in Oak Park, officials said.

kcullotta@chicagotribune.com

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