Q&A: Gemini Principal to Move On To Superintendent Position

Dr. Scott Herrmann is leaving his position as principal of , 8955 N. Greenwood Ave., at the end of this school year, and will continue in education in his new role as the superintendent of Bannockburn School District 106.

Students from Des Plaines, Niles, Morton Grove, Glenview and Park Ridge living within East Maine School District 63 boundaries all attend Gemini during seventh and eighth grades. 

Dr. Herrmann recently completed a Q&A with Patch.

Patch: When did you first begin at Gemini Junior High School, and what was your experience before coming to Gemini?

Dr. Herrmann: I have spent the past 16 years as principal at Gemini. Prior to my current position, I was an elementary principal, K-12 curriculum director, classroom teacher for grades 1-8 and gifted and talented resource teacher for grades K-6.

Patch: What is one of the things you are most proud of in your career in education?

Dr. Herrmann: I am most proud of what the Gemini school community has accomplished. We have become a top performing middle school.

This year, Gemini is one of very few middle schools in Illinois to make adequate yearly progress, or AYP.

I am also very proud that my own two children are educators. My son is a high school math teacher, and my daughter is a school psychologist.

Earlier:

Patch: Did any students become famous or do anything notable during your tenure?

Dr. Herrmann: Former Gemini students have gone on to become teachers, doctors, lawyers, and have experienced success in a wide variety of endeavors. 

Patch: How has Gemini Junior High School changed in the time you’ve been there?

Dr. Herrmann: Since the time I arrived at Gemini, there have been numerous changes, including the following.

• The academic achievement of our students has never been higher. Gemini was one of very few schools in Illinois to have made AYP this year.
• All students take a Language Arts class. Previously, many students did not have any reading class during their time at Gemini.
• A nine-period day, previously eight, has enabled us to provide expanded opportunities for students.
• Choir and Orchestra are now available to students.
• Co-curricular offerings have been expanded.
• Our health program is a two-time Blue Ribbon Award winner.
• Our Physical Education program has won a Blue Ribbon Award.
• Gemini won the Illinois Elementary School Association Sportsmanship Award.
• Due to the success of our First Class program, Gemini was named the “Kindest School in Illinois.”
• An addition to the building included expanded library space, new science labs, a multi-purpose room and a new gym.

Patch: Tell me about one of the funniest things you can remember happening at Gemini.

Dr. Herrmann: One of the funniest times I remember is when my assistant principal Jim Morrison, now principal of Emerson Middle School in District 64, had his head shaved as a reward for kids in a reading challenge.

Patch: What’s one of the things you’re going to miss the most?

Dr. Herrmann: The people. Our students are wonderful and keep us all young.

The staff at Gemini is second to none. We frequently refer to our staff as the Gemini “family.” While I will not see them every day, the relationships that I have with the people at Gemini will continue.

Patch: Do you have plans after leaving Gemini? Is there something in particular you’re looking forward to?

Dr. Herrmann: Next year, I will be serving as the superintendent of Bannockburn School District 106.

Bannockburn is a small, one building district, which has a part-time superintendent. I am excited about my new challenge!

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