Statement from Parents Care on the Departure of Cherokee Elementary Principal Kate Cavanaugh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Parents Care on the Departure of Cherokee Elementary Principal Kate Cavanaugh

Lake Forest, IL — As news circulates regarding the departure of Cherokee Elementary School Principal Kate Cavanaugh, Parents Care acknowledges this development as an opportunity for District 67 to refocus on what truly matters: academic excellence, student safety, and meaningful community involvement.

Frank McCormick, Executive Director of Parents Care, issued the following statement:

"Principal Kate Cavanaugh was Superintendent Matt Montgomery’s choice to lead Cherokee Elementary. Unfortunately, her tenure has been marked by a radical interpretation of inclusion that prioritized the needs of chronically disruptive students over the broader student body. Evacuating entire classrooms due to the misbehavior of one student is not an effective learning strategy—it disrupts education for all and leaves teachers unsupported.

The results speak for themselves. Compared to other schools in our district—Sheridan and Everett—Cherokee has fallen behind, both academically and in fostering a safe, supportive learning environment. We hope that in her next role, Ms. Cavanaugh reflects on these failed experiments and adopts a more balanced, rational approach that truly benefits all students.

As District 67 begins the search for a new principal, Superintendent Montgomery must ensure that this process is genuinely inclusive—this time of the community and Cherokee parents. The previous hiring approach did not work, and it’s clear that greater transparency and public disclosure of candidates before the final decision is made will be essential to restoring confidence.

Most importantly, the next principal must demonstrate a clear commitment to appropriately addressing chronically disruptive and violent behavior, supporting teachers, and driving academic improvement for every student at Cherokee."

Parents Care will continue to advocate for the best interests of students, parents, and teachers at Cherokee Elementary, and we stand ready to engage in a transparent and collaborative hiring process.