Maercker D60 is excited to announce the next principal of Holmes Primary School, Elisa Maldonado, who was approved by the Board on May 13!
Maldonado has elementary teaching experience in a variety of suburban districts and CPS and has 14 years of school leadership experience as an assistant principal and principal in Minnesota and Illinois. She has served as a school leader in large and small districts, and at the middle and elementary school levels. She has a passion for the elementary grades and is excited to work with students in PreK through second grade at Holmes.
“Spending time with the youngest learners is what got me started in teaching and it will be really fun to be in the school with those students starting their educational journeys,” said Maldonado. “I have heard so many great things about Holmes but one thing that stood out is how engaged the community is. Maercker D60 families are committed to the schools so I want to continue that relationship and cultivate a school that represents the community that we serve.”
“We continue to have many talented candidates for leadership roles in our district and Elisa stood out early on in the process,” said Superintendent Dr. Sean Nugent. “She has the experience and passion needed to continue the great work happening at Holmes and set a strong foundation for our youngest Wildcats as they grow as learners and prepare for their journey in Maercker D60 and beyond.”
Maldonado is excited to join a committed community and is focused on creating an environment where students are thriving and having fun. She grew up speaking both English and Spanish and is passionate about bilingual learners because she was one. Her father immigrated to the United States for the American dream and her parents instilled the value of education and where it can lead in her at a young age.
“Learning a new language is such a powerful tool for the elementary grades,” said Maldonado. “I was born here and was the first college graduate in my family because the value of education was so heavily instilled in me. I wanted to give back to the community and help all students become readers, writers, and productive citizens and was drawn to education.”
She lives in Bolingbrook with her partner and three young children. She will join the district on July 1, 2025.