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Four administrators from District 202 are set to take on new roles in the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. The Board of Education approved these changes during a meeting held on June 23, 2025, and the transitions will be effective starting July 1.
Dr. Joe O’Brien will become the new Director of Administration and Personnel for High School, succeeding Dr. Craig Brown who is retiring. O'Brien has been part of the education sector for 25 years, with 17 years spent at Plainfield East High School (PEHS). His career includes roles as a physical education and health teacher at Joliet Catholic Academy, a dean and head baseball coach at Marian Catholic High School, followed by positions as assistant principal and principal at PEHS. Reflecting on his move, O'Brien expressed his commitment to maintaining the district's standards: “202 is a District that prides itself on community and family, I will work tirelessly to uphold this standard of excellence,” he said.
Kai Freeman will assume the role of Principal at Plainfield East High School. Previously serving as Drauden Point Middle School Principal, Freeman has deep roots in District 202 with 12 out of his 20-year career spent there. He started as a physical education teacher at Thornwood High School before moving to PEHS as dean of students. Freeman shared his enthusiasm about returning: “I am excited to return to the place where it all started for me in District 202,” he said.
Debbie Odegaard Carpenter is appointed as Drauden Point Middle School Principal after serving as Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction there. With a career spanning over three decades in education—32 years within District 202—she brings extensive experience from teaching various subjects across elementary and middle school levels. Odegaard Carpenter commented on her new role: “I am genuinely excited to contribute my skills and experience to this incredible community and look forward to working collaboratively to achieve our shared goals.”
Kristen Salgado takes over as Crystal Lawns Elementary School Principal following her tenure as Assistant Principal at Eichelberger Elementary School. Salgado has dedicated her entire 28-year career to District 202, having taught multiple grade levels before advancing into administrative roles. She looks forward to continuing the school's legacy: “The staff at Crystal Lawns are dedicated and passionate educators who positively impact the lives of their students and families, and I am honored to have the opportunity to partner with them,” she said.
Jennifer Orlos, District 202 Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Personnel, highlighted that retaining and recruiting staff is a key focus within the district’s Strategic Plan which supports leadership development through its "Grow Your Own" program. Orlos stated: “Plainfield School District 202 takes pride in the ‘Grow Your Own’ program and support system for our staff. Dr. O’Brien, Mr. Freeman, Ms. Salgado, and Ms. Odegaard Carpenter are all a testament to this program.”
