Foster School Leadership Announcement

Dear Future Foster School Community -

It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Charlise Berkel as the founding principal of Foster School, effective July 1, 2026. In the interim, Principal Berkel will serve in a dual role as the outgoing principal of Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies and as the planning principal for Foster School. Her primary responsibilities remain in service to the Bessie Rhodes community while spending time preparing for the opening of Foster School in fall 2026. This appointment was approved by the School Board at tonight’s meeting.

We are grateful for those who gave their feedback as part of our survey and served on the interview panel. This diverse group was made up of future Foster School parents/caregivers, including those currently at Bessie Rhodes, as well as members of the Foster School Transition Committee, educators, and district administrators. Her appointment was approved by the School Board at tonight’s Regular Meeting. 

During her seven years of coaching at Oakton Elementary she leveraged her knowledge about African-centered pedagogy and culturally sustaining practices to refine collective teaching practices. A bilingual veteran within elementary education, Principal Berkel has also been instrumental in building District 65’s robust Two-Way Immersion (TWI) program. 

As Principal of Bessie Rhodes since January 2024, she has been both a champion for the Dual Language Middle School program and a reliable, committed leader during a period of change for the Bessie Rhodes community. Principal Berkel holds multiple master’s degrees in education and leadership and is pursuing a doctorate in Language Literacy & Culture with a focus on biliteracy teaching and learning at University of Illinois at Chicago. 

From shaping the school’s culture to hiring staff, designing learning environments, and building relationships with future students and families, this work takes time, collaboration, and intentionality. A thoughtful transition plan has been developed and we believe the dual role helps to ensure Principal Berkel has the necessary support and flexibility to balance current responsibilities as Bessie Rhodes principal with Foster school planning. Additionally, she will begin collaborating with our district-level Foster Transition Planning team which has been in place since last fall.

Thank you for your continued support — we can’t wait to welcome you to Foster School in fall 2026!

Best,

Dr. Angel Turner (she/her)
Superintendent