Elmhurst, IL – The Elmhurst District 205 Board of Education has unanimously approved the appointment of Jill Zapata as the next Principal of Emerson Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026.
Mrs. Zapata is a current member of the District 205 team and brings a strong understanding of the Elmhurst community, its students, and its commitment to the journey of excellence for all students. She currently serves as Assistant Principal at Conrad Fischer Elementary School, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing student achievement, strengthening school culture, and supporting staff development.
During her time in District 205, Mrs. Zapata has led measurable improvements in both academic outcomes, student experience, and teacher collaboration. Under her leadership, Fischer Elementary saw a 14 percent increase in math achievement and a 14 percent increase in literacy, along with notable gains for students with individualized education plans and a 5 percent increase in attendance. Additionally, Mrs. Zapata has helped transform a collaborative culture for staff at Conrad Fischer Elementary School. During her tenure at Conrad Fischer, her leadership supported the shift from “weak” to “strong” in the domain of Collaborative Teachers on the 5 Essentials Climate Survey. These results reflect her commitment to data-driven decisions, strong systems of support, and a focus on the whole child.
“Jill is a warm, thoughtful, student-centered leader who leads with both heart and purpose,” said Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell. “She has a natural ability to build strong, trusting relationships while also delivering meaningful results for students. Her work consistently reflects the priorities outlined in our strategic plan, from strengthening high-quality instruction to fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments. Her deep passion for both students and teaching and learning, paired with her collaborative approach to relationships building make her an excellent fit for Emerson.”
Mrs. Zapata brings more than 15 years of education experience, spanning both classroom, administrative, and university level positions. Prior to her current role, Mrs. Zapata served as a district-wide Director of Bilingual Services, Assistant Principal, and Adjunct Professor at Dominican University. Across her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to equity, ensuring student growth, and building inclusive systems that support all students.
Mrs. Zapata holds a Master’s Degree in educational leadership, as well as endorsements in bilingual education, ESL, reading, and world language. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational District Leadership at National Louis University.
“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve the Emerson community,” said Mrs. Zapata. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place by partnering with students, staff, and families. I believe in aligning our work around a shared purpose and fostering a culture where students feel known, families feel welcomed, and staff feel empowered. Together, we will continue to educate, engage, and empower every member of the Emerson community.”
District 205 looks forward to a smooth transition and will share additional opportunities for the Emerson community to meet Mrs. Zapata in the coming weeks.