Quanshanda Nicholson, a former principal at James Avant Elementary School, has been appointed to lead Lincoln Middle School. Under her leadership since 2018, Avant School honors include 2025 Model School presenter, 2025 Award of Excellence (School Leadership Team) from the Illinois State Board of Education, 2023 Award of Excellence (Principal) from the Illinois State Board of Education, and the 2020 Bayer School of Excellence and honor during the St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education.
Roshonda Harriel has been named the new principal of James Avant Elementary School. A product of the East St. Louis School District, Harriel has served the last three years as the assistant principal at Officer Elementary. She helped guide Officer through measurable improvements in both academic performance and climate and was part of the Officer Instructional Leadership Team to earn the 2024 Award of Excellence from the Illinois State Board of Education.
Dr. Craige Edwards joins District 189 as the principal of Mason/Clark Middle School. Edwards has served as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum developer, professional development facilitator, and most recently, head principal at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School in St. Louis from 2020 to 2025. With over two decades of experience in education, Edwards has helped educators and students discover and implement strategies that increase effectiveness, efficiency, and meaningful success.