Parent urges Evergreen Park board to keep associate principal Chris Lavin, praises her impact at Central Middle School
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Summary
Paula Pulaski delivered an emotional public comment asking the board to persuade Associate Principal Chris Lavin not to resign, describing Lavin as central to school morale, social-emotional learning and student support.
During public comment at the Dec. 17 meeting, community member Paula Pulaski asked the board to intervene after Associate Principal Chris Lavin announced her resignation. Pulaski described Lavin as "the backbone of our PBIS system," credited her with building staff morale and student supports, and said "CMS is not just losing an administrator. We're losing a leader who makes people feel safe enough to be vulnerable and strong enough to grow."
Pulaski urged the board to "do something to change her mind," arguing Lavin's open-door approach and role in restorative practices materially improved student and staff experiences. The speaker listed examples — staff spirit weeks, support systems, six-week check-ins, and implementation of social-emotional lessons — to illustrate Lavin's impact on school culture.
Why it matters: retention of experienced school leaders affects day-to-day support for students and continuity of social-emotional programs. The board did not announce a personnel action during the public meeting and indicated it will consider comments through appropriate channels.