Niles West educator to become principal of Maine South High School in Park Ridge
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Maine Township High School District 207’s board of education announced the new principal for Maine South High School in Park Ridge on Monday, and he’s a local pick.
They selected Antwan Babakhani, assistant principal for student success at Niles West High School in Skokie, was selected for the job out of 42 applicants, according to a District 207 spokesperson.
“Antwan impressed the interview teams with his comprehensive understanding of educational leadership, collaborative mindset, and deep commitment to supporting and empowering students,” said incoming superintendent Tatiana Bonuma. “We are excited to welcome Antwan and look forward to the future as he embarks on this journey to promote student success at Maine South.”
To narrow down the pool of applicants, four rounds of interviews were done with students, parents, teachers, support staff, school administrators and district administrators, according to the district. Officials also used focus groups and surveys to create a principal profile to help find the best candidate.
“I am honored and thrilled to serve as the new principal of Maine South High School,” said Dr. Babakhani in a news release. “It is a privilege to join this vibrant community of students, educators and staff known for its commitment to excellence in education, inclusivity and fostering a supportive environment where every student can thrive.”
Babakhani has been Niles West’s assistant principal since 2013, and had been a dean of students for a year prior. From 2009 to 2011, Babakhani was the assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Amundsen High School in the Chicago Public Schools. Babakhani teaches asynchronously as an adjunct professor at Concordia University.
Babakhani earned his his bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He earned his master’s degree in reading and doctoral degree in educational leadership from Concordia University.
Babakhani’s base salary is $188,000 and will begin the role as principal on July 1. The district had been seeking a new principal for Maine South after former principal Ben Collins accepted a position as superintendent for Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. Maine South started the school year with interim principals Steve Isoye and Mike Pressler
