Will County Gazette

The District 202 Board of Education approved the appointment at its March 21, 2022, regular meeting. Peterson will replace Dean Kariotakis, who is retiring in June after 11 years leading Timber Ridge.

Peterson is a 20-year education veteran, including 17 years in District 202. She started her career in 2001 as a special education teacher at Still Middle School in Aurora. 

She served as an 8^th grade social studies teacher and 6^th grade drama teacher at Thompson Middle School in St. Charles in 2004-05. She came to Ira Jones in 2005, where she taught 8^th grade English and social studies from 2005-16. 

Peterson served one year as interim assistant principal for student services, at Heritage Grove Middle School from 2014-15, then as assistant principal for student services at Drauden Point Middle School from 2016-2019. She has been in her current position at Ira Jones since 2019.

Shannon Miller, District 202 director for middle school administration and personnel, praised Peterson’s wide range of experience.

“Her leadership goes beyond special education,” Miller said. “She strives to improve instructional practices and impact student achievement, in a support and collaborative environment,” she said. “We are excited to have her lead Timber Ridge.”

Peterson said she is excited and honored to begin her new assignment.

"I look forward to working with the staff, students, and community to continue to build on the successes, great traditions, and culture of the school," Peterson said.

Tom Hernandez