Our Purpose:
We support schools in implementing data-driven, quality tier 1 instruction in all classrooms, for all students.
Our goal is to provide guidance and leadership to Waukegan School District's Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals so that each and every student has access to high quality, standards-based instruction, in every class, every day.
We work directly with building principals and assistant principals to support and build upon their leadership competencies. We monitor and improve instructional leadership to increase student academic achievement. We guide school improvement efforts, and provide coaching and feedback to school leadership.
If you have any questions or have any needs for your child, please reach out to us. We are here to support all students in our schools. You can reach us at our department at 224-303-1093.
Lori Zaimi
Area Superintendent - Area 1
Joining Waukegan Public Schools in July 2025, Lori is an experienced instructional leader with over 25 years of experience in education, including ten years as the principal of a Chicago neighborhood International Baccalaureate (IB) elementary school offering both the Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes. She successfully led the school through the rigorous authorization process for the Primary Years Programme, demonstrating her commitment to inquiry-based, globally minded education.
Her leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning. Lori has served as a middle school math and science teacher, math/science instructional coach, lead teacher, and assistant principal. She has guided her school in improving academic outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds by fostering a culture of high expectations, collaborative learning, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. She prioritizes student voice and works to build an inclusive, supportive school environment.
Lori’s approach is driven by data-informed instruction and a passion for professional learning. She has extensive experience with Lesson Study and has led initiatives such as Facing History and Ourselves to deepen equity-focused instructional practices. She has mentored new principals, resident principals, and assistant principals, and has taught Math Teaching Methods courses at DePaul University. In 2024, she was recognized as a Golden Apple Leader of Distinction Finalist.
Currently completing her EdD in Educational Leadership at Concordia University, Lori also served as a Principal Fellow with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. She is highly skilled in developing systems and structures that maximize instructional time and drive sustainable school improvement.
Lori Zaimi supports the following WPS60 schools:
- Carman-Buckner Elementary
- Clark Elementary
- Clearview Elementary
- Cooke Magnet Elementary
- Glen Flora Elementary
- Glenwood Elementary
- Greenwood Elementary
- Hyde Park Elementary
- Little Fort Elementary
- Lightfoot PreK Center
- Lyon Magnet Elementary
- McCall Elementary
- North Elementary
- Oakdale Elementary
- Washington Elementary
- Whittier Elementary
Dr. Shanele Andrews
Area Superintendent - Area 2
Dr. Shanele Andrews brings 21 years of dedicated educational experience, having excelled in various key roles including Assistant Principal, Math/Science
Department Chair, and Teacher. For the past 8 years, she has served as the Principal of Orr Academy High School, where she has significantly improved instructional outcomes,
established a robust student intervention system, and enhanced the school’s culture.
Dr. Andrews is deeply committed to continuous improvement, designing personalized professional development plans, and utilizing data-driven decision- making to strengthen school leadership and educational practices.
Dr. Andrews is recognized for her commitment to developing educational leaders, having mentored new principals and fostering the growth of educational professionals throughout the community.
Dr. Andrews supports the following WPS60 schools:
- Abbott Middle School
- Benny Middle School
- Juarez Middle School
- Lewis Middle School
- Smith Middle School
- Waukegan High School- Brookside Campus
- Waukegan High School- Washington Campus
- Waukegan High School- AOEC