Administration

Dr. Jennifer Kelsall is currently serving in her third year as the Superintendent for Ridgewood Community High School #234. The district contains one high school with 800 students from Norridge and Harwood Heights. Jennifer is married and resides in suburban Chicago. Jennifer earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Educational Administration from Illinois State University. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University. Dr. Kelsall’s undergraduate work was at Illinois State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences and Secondary Education and a minor in Athletic Training. Jennifer began her educational career in Lockport Township High School District #205 as a high school Science Teacher and Athletic Trainer. During this time, Jennifer also served on the National Athletic Trainers Board of Certification Exam Development Committee, assisting in the writing of the certification exam for athletic training candidates. She then moved to Ridgewood Community High School, where she has served as a Science Teacher, Division Head for Math, Science and Physical Education, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Jennifer is proud to lead the district where she has spent the majority of her career. During her leadership at Ridgewood, she has helped to increase the enrollment in Advanced Placement courses and in 2011 Ridgewood High School was named to the AP Achievement List by the College Board for significant gains in Advanced Placement Access and Student Performance. Additionally, in 2013 Ridgewood was honored by the Washington Post as one of America’s Most Challenging High Schools and in 2015, Ridgewood was named by US News & World Report as one of America’s Best High Schools. Jennifer is currently a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Norridge-Harwood Heights Rotary. She served on the Illinois Principals Association Board of Directors and is currently the IASA-ISBE West Cook liaison for the Illinois Association of School Administrators. She has served on several State level committees and presented at State and National conferences across the United States.

Chris stepped into the role of Principal for the 2016-2017 school year. He has spent his entire educational career at Ridgewood High School having previously served in roles including PE/Health Teacher, Dean of Students, Baseball and Football Coach, and Interim Principal. Chris currently holds a Master’s of Arts Degree in School Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Health from Eastern Illinois University. Chris is both honored and excited to lead Ridgewood High School and its students, staff, parents, and community members towards new heights. He strongly believes in building and maintaining partnerships with parents and community members which are essential towards building effective and lasting relationships to support and enrich the educational experience for our students.