South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main Street, South Elgin, IL opened its doors to students for the first time on August 24, 2005 with freshman and sophomore classes. The first graduating class will be in the spring of 2008.
It is located on the eastern edge of South Elgin on property formerly owned by the Kenyon Brothers Dairy Farms. It’s adjacent to Kenyon Woods Middle School that opened in the fall of 2004. Dr. Jean Bowen was the first principal of South Elgin High School. She retired in June of 2008, just following the 1st SEHS Commencement Ceremony.
Mrs. Melanie Meidel, formerly the Associate Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at SEHS, was appointed Principal upon the retirement of Dr. Jean Bowen. Mrs. Meidel began as a Physical Education teacher at Elgin High School in 1996. She moved to Larkin High School as a Lead Teacher when the Visual and Performing Arts Academy opened where she also taught dance. In 2002 she moved back to Elgin High School to head the departments of PE and Driver Education and in 2003 became Athletic Director. Mrs. Meidel lives in Elgin with her husband and two sons.
Mr. Jim Szymczak, Associate Principal, Athletic Director and Instructional Chair for Science, came to SEHS from Maine South High School. He has taught science at a variety of schools in Illinois and Wisconsin. At Maine South he has written curriculum for Chemistry I, served on the district strategic planning committee as well as a committee to investigate ways to adjust the class schedule due to increased core requirements. During his teaching career he has coached high school girls’ and boys’ track, varsity football and even coached running backs for a Division III college football program. Jim and his wife reside in Bartlett with their 2 children.
Richard Wince, Assistant Principal of Student Services, oversees the Guidance Office, Nurse's Office, and Deans' Office. In addition, he is the Instructional Chair for Special Education. He began his tenure in the district in 1977 as a special education teacher. He became a guidance counselor at Elgin High School in 1986 and then became the Director of Guidance in 1993. He is married, has three children and lives in Kirkland.
Ms. Annette Quiles, Dean of Students, comes to SEHS from Larkin High School where she has served as a Dean of Students and Divisional Chairperson for the Bilingual department. She has taught at the elementary level, high school level and served on numerous district and school site committees. Ms. Quiles resides in St. Charles, IL, with her two teen-age daughters.
Mr. Darnell Gibson, Dean of Students, comes to us after serving two years as the Dean of Students and eight years in the East Aurora School District 131 serving the in following capacities: the District Vocational Director, Department Chair of the Industrial Technology Department, District Curriculum Council Chair, teaching and coaching basketball. He served 11 years working for Elgin Community College teaching off campus at the St. Charles Youth Center in St. Charles. Darnell received his Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Aurora University. He lives in Aurora with his wife, two daughters and two sons completing college at Western Illinois University.
Mr. Charles Pall, Dean of Students
Mr. Jeff Livengood, Dean of Students
Mrs. Tracey Jakaitis, has worked for school district U-46 since 1991. She has taught Health Education at Larkin, Streamwood, Elgin and South Elgin High Schools. She has a Bachelors degree from Eastern Illinois University in School and Community health education with a minor in psychology. Her masters degree is from Chicago state University in Physical Education curriculum and instruction. She received her type 75 administrative certification from Aurora University and has worked as an Instructional Chair at South Elgin High School since 2005. She is currently Instructional Chair for Physical Education, Health, Driver Education and Social Studies.
Mrs. Lori Lopez, Humanities and Global Studies Instructional Chair, comes to South Elgin High School from Larkin High School. There she served for 6 years as the Divisional Chairperson for Physical Education and Health. She taught English for a number of years in the Chicago suburban area. Lori was instrumental in the formation of the First Class program at Larkin High School. She lives in St. Charles with her husband and two boys.
Ms. Lisa Olsem, Instructional Chair for CTE and Math, came to South Elgin High School 3 years ago. She started teaching in 1992, but not before spending a few years in the business world. She has previously taught at both the middle school and high school level in a variety of subjects. She has served on numerous district and school committees, as well as, coached and sponsored various clubs and organization. Lisa and her husband live in South Elgin. In her free time, she runs a community swim team and tries to keep up with her 3 children.
