Longtime Assistant Principal Says Goodbye to Romeoville High School

Reflecting on her time at , Asst. Principal Lindy Steeves points to her left wrist, where a quote from Mother Teresa runs across a shiny, silver bracelet.

"We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love," it says.

The quote, Steeves said, embodies her approach to education, and is how she hopes to be remembered when she retires this month after more than 30 years at Romeoville High School.

"There isn't one program or innovative idea that I'd say I was most proud of," Steeves said. "For me, it's the little things. I did my best to help as many kids and families as possible along the way—I'd hope that's my legacy here."

Steeves started her career at Romeoville in 1972 when she was hired to start the low-incidence special education program. She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from Western Illinois University, and later earned her master's degree from National Louis University.

Being part of the low-incidence program remains one of the "most special" times in her career, Steeves said.

"I spent 12 years doing that, so I became very close with the students and their families," she said.

After leaving for a few years to have her daughters, Kelly and Molly, Steeves returned to Romeoville in 1994 as the new assistant principal.

During her 19 years in the position, she has worked with four principals—Dave Carlson (1977-2002), new Valley View School District Superintendent James Mitchem (2002-2006), John Sparlin (2006-2010) and Derek Kinder (2010-present).

"Every principal has their own leadership style, so I've definitely seen it all," Steeves said. "To me, my job was to make their job easier and do the little things so they could focus on policy and the overall direction of the school."

For Steeves, 60-to 70-hour weeks were not uncommon. Between carrying out her everyday responsibilities and attending athletic events and plays, the job became a "round-the-clock" endeavor, she said.

As she enters retirement, she plans to spend more time with her husband and daughters, and will continue teaching education courses at .

Romeoville High School Principal Derek Kinder thanked Steeves for her years of service.

“Mrs. Steeves’ value to this school district and this community is immeasurable," he said. "Her commitment to the many families of RHS over the years is unparalleled. Her impact on the many lives of the students and families of RHS will be felt long after her career  at RHS ends.

"I would like to personally thank her for her many dedicated years of service and all that she has given to the RHS staff and students.”

Starting July 1, Steeves' position will be taken over by Gina Smith, the school's current English and foreign language chair.

"It is truly an honor to work with Lindy Steeves as I transition to my new role," Smith said. "She is an excellent leader, educator and mentor. Her extensive knowledge, experience and insight will surely be missed next year, but she has created a strong foundation that will continue to serve the students, staff, and Romeoville community for years to come."

Steeves said she is confident in Smith's abilities, and knows the school will be in good hands as she makes her departure.

"We'll make the transition as smooth as possible, and they'll be ready to go when the kids come back in the fall," Steeves said.

When her office is packed up June 30—her last day—Steeves said she hopes no one else will be in the building. "It will definitely be hard saying goodbye," she said.

"This is an awesome school. I want people to know that. Our kids are so giving of what they have, and that's so important as we send them out into the world. You can talk about test scores and grades, but at the end of the day you just want them to be good people. I will miss these students dearly."

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Author's Note:

In the fall of 2005, I was a senior at Romeoville High School and was deep in the throes of the college application process. I went to visit Mrs. Steeves in her office—I can't remember why—and she asked me how everything was going.

At the time, I had my heart set on Notre Dame. I applied for early acceptance, and was certain that's where I'd be going as long as I got in. Mrs. Steeves listened intently, but looked slightly confused.

Knowing my aspirations of becoming a writer, she asked why I hadn't applied to Northwestern University. She told me she thought it would be the perfect school for me, and encouraged me to apply. And so I did.

It's funny how life works out. Here I am, five years later, with my journalism degree from Northwestern, and I have the pleasure of writing Mrs. Steeves' retirement story.

So thank you, Mrs. Steeves, for all that you've done for Romeoville High School and for encouraging kids like me to relentlessly pursue their dreams. You've made all the difference.