District 70 Hires Dean for Highland Middle School

Libertyville Elementary School District 70 Board of Education hired Lorenzo Cervantes, a current District 70 substitute teacher for the newly created position of Dean of Students at Highland Middle School.

“Lorenzo is an exceptional educator with a great deal to offer the students, parents, and staff of Highland Middle School,” said Guy Schumacher, superintendent of Libertyville Elementary School District 70 in a press release.

Now residing in Libertyville, Cervantes taught third grade for seven years in Oak Park. He was nominated for the Golden Apple Teacher of the Year in 2006, taught third and sixth grade in California, and has coached boys and girls basketball and flag football.

“I was able to substitute in a few districts this year, and I sort of fell in love with the philosophy here,” Cervantes said after Monday's school board meeting. “There’s never been a dean before so the creation of the position is sort of exciting. I get to think outside the box.”

Cervantes says the school year will dictate what he will do at the school.

“It will depend on the needs of the grade levels," Cervantes said. "It should be fun. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Cervantes received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and holds a master’s degree in leadership and administration from Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill.

Schumacher applauds Cervantes' attributes says the new dean will be a commendable advocate for Highland students.