When Jennifer Legris walks through the doors of Carl Sandburg High School at 13300 LaGrange Road on July 1, it won’t just be as the new head dean — it will be as an alumna returning to the place that helped shape her future.
The District 230 Board of Education recently approved Legris’ appointment, marking a homecoming for the 1999 Carl Sandburg graduate. She will replace Lynna Dahlgren, who is retiring after 33 years with the district, the last three as head dean.
“I am honored to serve in a school and community that my family and I grew up in,” Legris said.
Legris currently serves as assistant principal at Palos South Middle School. Before that, she was the dean of students at West Aurora High School. With 14 years of experience as a classroom teacher and Math RTI Specialist, Legris brings a well-rounded education background to her new role.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in child and adolescent development from Capella University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University.
Growing up in Orland Park, Legris said her experiences as a Sandburg student left a lasting impact.
“One of the fondest memories I have is how supportive and helpful the staff was,” she said. “Being the oldest, my parents had no idea what to expect as far as high school classes, especially helping me with homework in subjects like Spanish and Chemistry – or how to go about choosing a college. I remember teachers meeting with me before and after school to answer questions, and I know the guidance department spent a lot of time with my parents and me when it came to making choices about my future.”
Her return to Sandburg feels like a full-circle moment, she said.
“My parents actually moved to Orland once they started a family because of District 230’s reputation,” she said. “Coming back to a district with a proven track record of excellence, that helped support my educational journey and provided me with the foundation I needed to be a successful adult, is a wonderful feeling. I am truly excited to be back at Sandburg.”
While she hasn’t officially started her new role yet, Legris said she is eager to see how the school has evolved over the years.
“What I do know is that at the end of the day, the school and district goals are focused on what is best for the students who attend,” she said. “I would like to support and enhance those goals. By working with staff, I am hoping to continue to create a safe learning environment that will support and empower all our students to be successful in whatever college or career path they are passionate about.”
Legris will officially begin her new role as head dean on July 1.
With her deep ties to the school and community, she said she is honored to return to Sandburg not just as an alumna, but as a leader ready to shape the next generation.
Congratulations to Jennifer Legris on her appointment as Head Dean! It’s so inspiring to see a Sandburg alumna return to lead and shape the next generation of students. Her experiences both as a student and as an educator in other schools will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the role. Wishing her all the best in creating a safe and empowering learning environment for the students!