July 1, 2021

Lake Forest Schools Welcome New Superintendent
Dr. Matthew Montgomery and Lake Forest Community
High School Principal Dr. Erin Lenart

The Lake Forest School community is pleased to welcome two new leaders on July 1. Dr. Matthew Montgomery joins District 67 and District 115 as the new Superintendent of Schools, while Dr. Erin Lenart begins her tenure as Principal of Lake Forest High School.
Welcoming Dr. Matthew Montgomery
Dr. Matthew Montgomery was selected as Superintendent in April following an extensive community engagement and national search process managed jointly by the District 115 and District 67 school boards. Dr. Constance Collins has served as Interim Superintendent for Lake Forest District 67 and District 115 from April 1-June 30.
 
“I want to thank Interim Superintendent Dr. Constance Collins for her dedication to the Lake Forest School Districts over recent months. Her partnership with me since April has paved the way for a smooth transition into my new role,” says Dr. Montgomery. “My family and I are truly looking forward to immersing ourselves in the Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood communities. It is a distinct honor to serve in this role and it is my commitment to lead with integrity, transparency, and empathy.”

“Dr. Montgomery joins our District at an important moment as we work to navigate past the pandemic,” says District 67 Board President Justin Engelland. “He has the professional expertise required to drive continuous improvement in our schools and, just as importantly, the communication and leadership abilities needed to strengthen the shared sense of partnership and alignment among all stakeholders in our school community.”

“Dr. Montgomery is the right leader at the right time for the Lake Forest schools,” adds District 115 Board President Jenny Zinser. “He not only brings a track record of K-12 innovation and achievement, but the vision and management skills needed to take our District to the next level.”
 
Dr. Montgomery has served as the Superintendent of the Revere Public Schools in Bath, Ohio, since 2015. He, his wife Blayna, their four children, and two German Shepherds are currently settling into their new home in Lake Forest.
Welcoming Dr. Erin Lenart
Following a national search process and community engagement that included LFHS stakeholder surveys, focus groups, and interviews, Dr. Erin Lenart was selected from a field of 27 candidates as the next LFHS Principal in May 2021.

"Dr. Lenart has an outstanding track record for inclusive practices, instructional leadership, and a deep commitment to social-emotional learning," says Superintendent Montgomery who actively participated in the search process. “She was a clear choice among the majority of our stakeholders."

“Dr. Lenart is a builder of results, teams, and community,” says District 115 Board President Zinser. “We cannot wait to see her build upon Lake Forest High School’s tradition of excellence and further the school’s trajectory of growth.”
 
“I am thrilled to be setting down new roots in the Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood communities,” reflects Dr. Lenart. “Having the opportunity to see Lake Forest High School’s beautiful campus, spend a little time in the community, and at our school has been such a gift during my transition. I look forward to living, learning, and leading in District 115. Go Scouts!”
 
Dr. Lenart has served as Principal of Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Virginia, since 2018. She, her husband, and two Jack Russell Terriers will reside in Lake Forest
 
Dr. Montgomery and Dr. Lenart will hold meet-and-greet town halls for the school community in August.