New principal position at Perkins Schools

PERKINS TWP. — Perkins Schools' board of education recently approved the hiring of Dwayne Arnold, who's taking on a newly created assistant principal position. Arnold received a three-year contract starting on Aug. 1 with a $95,000 salary. He'll split his time between two buildings: Furry Elementary School and Meadowlawn Intermediate School. His main responsibilities include helping the principals of each building with behavior, culture and other miscellaneous duties. Staff at Perkins Schools said this position is much needed. Incoming district superintendent Lonny Rivera said there is a nationwide uptick in behavioral concerns. Neither school had an assistant principal before Arnold, so all responsibilities fell on the principals. Arnold will help free up time so they can focus on other duties. Rivera said Arnold's work history made him stand out for this position. "His qualifications really shined," Rivera said. Arnold is from North Point Educational Service Center where he works as its director of emotional disabilities programming. He also has previous experience as an assistant principal, gifted services coordinator and principal. He earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in educational leadership and administration.