The principal of Chiddix Junior High School in Normal is leaving at the end of the school year.
Principal Mariana Nicasio announced her departure Wednesday amid turmoil at her school, in the wake of families learning two teachers are on leave for alleged misconduct.
In an email to Chiddix families obtained by WGLT, Nicasio said she made the decision to leave “earlier in the year after thoughtful reflection about both my professional and personal considerations.
“I recognize that our school community is navigating a challenging time, which makes sharing this news especially difficult. I want to be clear that this decision is unrelated to anything currently happening within the school.”
Nicasio came to Chiddix in 2022 after previous leadership roles at elementary schools in the Chicago suburbs. She taught seventh and eighth grade in Berwyn before moving into administration, according to a LinkedIn profile.
Nicasio’s email said she plans to move to California.
“Over time, I have carefully considered what is best for me,” she said. “This decision was not made lightly and reflects what I want in this stage of my life.”
Unit 5 superintendent Kristen Weikle said in a statement to WGLT, Nicasio shared her plans to leave earlier in the school year and that it was a "personal decision.
“We are grateful for her leadership, and she will be deeply missed by the Chiddix community," Weikle said, adding Nicasio will remain with Unit 5 through June 30 and will assist with the transition to a new principal.
