Morgan Park Academy is excited to announce that Phyllis Cavallone-Jurek, Ed.D., has officially assumed the role of Head of School, starting on July 1, 2025. She becomes the Academy’s 18th Head of School, succeeding Mercedes Z. Sheppard upon her retirement at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
An accomplished educator, strategic leader, and South Side native, Dr. Cavallone brings nearly three decades of experience in K-12 and higher education, nonprofit leadership, and curriculum innovation. She is a longtime Beverly resident and the proud parent of an MPA alumnus.
“I am thrilled to join Morgan Park Academy as the new Head of School,” she said. “As a longtime resident of the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, I am deeply committed to the success and growth of our community.
“MPA has a rich history of academic excellence and a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing independent thinkers and future leaders. I am excited to bring my passion for innovative education and strategic leadership to MPA, and I look forward to collaborating with our talented faculty, engaged parents, and inspiring students.
“Together, we will build on the Academy’s strong foundation and continue to foster an environment where every student can thrive academically, creatively, and personally.”
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Dr. Cavallone was appointed by Morgan Park Academy’s Board of Trustees following an extensive national search led by a committee of faculty, trustees, parents, and alumni. Throughout the search process, she stood out as a visionary and inclusive leader with a strong record of building community, fostering academic excellence, and inspiring educators and families alike.
“This is an exciting time for MPA with the arrival of Dr. Cavallone,” said Board Chair Kishore Paluri. “Her energy, authenticity, and deep understanding of both educational leadership and our school’s mission make her the ideal person to lead our school into its next chapter.
“We were particularly drawn to her demonstrated capacity for visible and visionary leadership; her proven ability to inspire and engage all constituents across a school community with clear communication and authenticity; and her significant experience in innovative programming, specifically in curricular design, enrollment management, and fundraising.”
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Dr. Cavallone’s professional journey includes serving as a teacher, department chair, assistant principal, and principal at schools across Chicago, as well as leadership roles in higher education and the nonprofit sector.
Most recently, she served as director of the Education Division at Saint Xavier University and previously as chief of academics for the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Catholic Schools. During her tenure as principal of St. Therese Chinese Catholic School, she led the transformation of the K-8 school into a nationally recognized model of academic excellence.
Her contributions have earned national recognition, including the Golden Apple Foundation’s Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award and the National Distinguished Principal of the Year Award.
Dr. Cavallone holds a doctorate in interdisciplinary leadership from Creighton University, two master’s degrees in educational administration and mathematics education, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
She and her husband, Ronald, have two children, including a 2020 MPA graduate.
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As Head of School, Dr. Cavallone will continue building on the legacy of educational excellence at Morgan Park Academy, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
Please join us in welcoming her as she officially steps into this leadership role. We look forward to a bright future under her guidance!
