Monaghan Named Glenbard West's Next Principal

The Glenbard West High School assistant principal for student services, Peter Monaghan, has been named the school’s next principal, Glenbard District 87 announced late Monday night.

The district’s board of education approved the recommendation at its board meeting. Monaghan will replace principal Jane Thorsen who is retiring on June 30 after seven years as the school’s principal.

Since 2004, Monaghan has held the position of assistant principal for student services, according to the district. Before that he was a dean and assistant dean at Glenbard West. He came to the district in 1995 from Proviso East High School in Maywood where he was an English teacher.

"I feel very honored to be named the next principal of Glenbard West High School. My mission will be to ensure that our students receive the very best learning opportunities and experiences a high school can offer,” Monaghan said in a statement. “I know how much our teachers and staff are committed to helping all students achieve their highest potential. My job will be to not only maintain and build on the traditions of excellence at Glenbard West but also to help navigate the inevitable and powerful changes that the future will bring. I am looking forward to the challenge."

When he assumes his role as principal in July, Monaghan plans to build upon Glenbard West’s quality instruction and community culture to help students reach their full potential, the district said.

"I believe Peter Monaghan will be an exceptional principal,” said District Superintendent David Larson. “He has served District 87 in a variety of leadership roles, possesses strong character and integrity and is well respected by staff, students, parents and the general community. He will be a great success."

Monaghan is working toward his doctorate degree in educational leadership at Roosevelt University. He has an M.A. in educational leadership from Northeastern Illinois University, a master of education degree in instructional leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a B.A. in English literature from DePaul University.