Two new principals will join Evanston/Skokie School District 65 next fall – at Orrington Elementary School and Park School, the district announced Monday night.

Marlene Grossman will step in as Park’s principal, whereas J. Michael Doughertywill take over at Orrington.

“The district is very excited and pleased to get people of such high caliber,” District 65 spokeswoman Patricia Markham said.

A school for children with special needs, Park School has seen many changes this year – most notably the completion of a new multi-sensory teaching classroom this March with a donation from talk show host Jerry Springer.

Grossman, a former special education director of the Elgin District U-46, studied education and administration at National-Louis University.

“I think she’s going to take the program forward,” said Sharon Clousing, Park’s current principal. “She’s bringing in new ideas and new programs.”

Clousing said she has enjoyed her five years at Park School.

“If I wasn’t 66, I wouldn’t be leaving,” she said.

Dougherty, currently a principal in Metamora, Ill., will replace Principal Debbie Gardiner. A graduate of Illinois State and Bradley universities, he has worked in school administration for more than 15 years.

“My best ability is to go into the classroom and watch children learn and observe teachers teaching, and learn from children as they learn, and learn from teachers as they teach,” Dougherty said at Monday night’s school board meeting. “I am a true believer that every child will learn and will succeed.”