Bolingbrook HS Principal Out; RHS Administrator to Take the Helm

As of Friday, Superintendent James Mitchem said he's in charge — for now— at Bolingbrook High School. 

Mitchem said he is handling operations at BHS following the departure of Principal Michael White earlier this week.

Beginning Tuesday, Romeoville High School Assistant Principal Yolanda Jordan will act as interim principal for the remainder of the school year, Mitchem said. Students are off Monday in observance of President's Day.

"I have set up a satellite office at BHS and will work from the building until such time the interim principal has acclimated herself to the new setting," Mitchem said.

White resigned in January, saying he would leave BHS at the end of the school year to pursue other opportunities. BHS parents, however, reported that White was absent beginning Thursday.

Mitchem said he couldn't comment on what prompted White's early departure.

Last month, White said he resigned after feeling he was limited in his ability to do his job.

“I felt I had reached the limits of what I could do at Bolingbrook High School. So, I submitted my resignation after many, many, many conversation," he said. "Don’t think this was just a one-time deal. I decided it was time for me to move on as a result of the fact I couldn’t get senior leadership to make some decisions that would help me do my job.”

White was popular among parents, who spoke out during a January board meeting in support of the principal. The board ultimately voted 5-2 to accept his resignation.

“The decision to resign did not come easy and has been made with much thought and discussion with people who I believe are honest, and hold credibility and integrity in this district," White said in a statement last month. "It does not come easy because the staff and students at Bolingbrook High School are second to none. They should be commended for what they do each day."

Parents took to Patch to voice their concerns over White's departure and the perceived lack of information coming from the district.

"People have been calling the school to find out what is going on and they keep on getting transferfed around without answer," one mom said in a message to Bolingbrook Patch. "I am so worried for the welfare of my son and the entire student body!"

"This is just outrageous... I'm so pissed off right now," another said via Facebook. "... all I can say is these kids have been completely let down... and BHS is screwed.. wish I could send my kids somewhere else."

Residents held an event Jan. 24 to collect signatures for a petition to support the popular principal. An online petition called "Do What's Right ... Support Principal White!" had 563 signatures as of Friday.

Search for another new principal begins