BLOOM TOWNSHIP | A former Lansing middle school assistant principal is set to become the next principal at Sandridge Elementary School.

Jay Hollingsworth of New Lenox has accepted Sandridge Elementary District 172's job offer and his hiring will be up for School Board approval on Wednesday.

The board also will decide on a one-year contract and Hollingsworth's salary. He plans to attend the board meeting and is scheduled to begin work on Aug. 2, Interim Superintendent Diane Dyer-Dawson said.

Hollingsworth emerged as the district's choice out of the six candidates who were called back on July 23 for a second round of interviews.

"I think he's a wonderful person. I think he's going to be an added plus to the district and I think when parents, staff and community members get to know him, they'll all feel the same way," Board President Bettina Grivetti said.

Dyer-Dawson said Hollingsworth has a wealth of experience to bring to the district, is familiar with the area, and comes highly recommended.

"I think he is really going to be good here," Dyer-Dawson said. "In speaking with all his references, they all say he is understanding and a person who works well with parents and the community. I really think he will do well."

Hollingsworth comes to the district from Walker's Grove Elementary School in Plainfield, where he has been principal for three years. Before that, he spent four years as principal at Minooka Elementary School. He also was principal at Western Avenue School in Flossmoor for three years and was assistant principal at Heritage Middle School in Lansing from 1994 until 1997.

Hollingsworth said his skills, experience, and background are a good match for Sandridge and will work hard to build, and rebuild, the trust between the school and all of its stake holders.

"My ears will be open, and I will be listening first," Hollingsworth said.

He has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Monmouth College and a master's degree in educational computing and a Type 75 administrator's certificate from Governors State University.

The district has been looking for a replacement for former Principal Leroy Coleman, who resigned April 12, the same day an anonymous DVD recording began circulating, showing him engaged in sex acts in his office with a then-teacher.