On May 19, 2026, the Forest Ridge School District 142 Board of Education unanimously voted to hire Dr. Kathleen Tomaszewski as the next Principal of Ridge Early Childhood Center.
Dr. Tomaszewski comes to Ridge Early Childhood Center and District 142 with a great deal of energy, excitement, and substantial school leadership experience. Dr. Tomaszewski is a veteran educator, with 10+ years of service as both Principal and Assistant Principal in both public and private schools. Dr. Tomaszewski most recently has been an Assistant Principal at Lansing School District 158. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique understanding of change and how it affects teachers, staff, students, and families. Her immediate goal is to immerse herself in the culture and family of Ridge Early Childhood Center to help support this transition.
Dr. Tomaszewski earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University, combining a keen focus on school improvement planning and relationship-based leadership. With a very strong, student-centered leadership background, which includes focuses in data-driven decision making and PBIS, Dr. Tomaszewski is looking forward to expanding and improving the Ridge Early Childhood Center experience for all students, family, and staff. Dr. Tomaszewski prides herself on building a collaborative culture, which translates to our youngest learners getting the best start in their academic life.
In her own words Dr. Tomaszewski’s view on her role as Principal:
“I believe that building trust is important and that it comes with time through open communication, fairness, and transparency. It is important to be an active listener and lead by example.”
Dr. Tomaszewski cannot wait to get to know the Ridge students, teachers, staff, and families. We are excited for the entire District 142 Community to welcome Dr. Kathleen Tomaszewski.