Administration
Mr. JOE LINDSEY
I am excited to serve as Principal of Hill Elementary School and to be part of a school community with such a rich history and tradition. I believe that strong relationships, open communication, and high expectations create the foundation for student success. I look forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to build upon Hill’s legacy while preparing students for a bright future.
Throughout my career, I have served in a variety of educational leadership roles, including principal, assistant principal, and English Learner specialist. My experience has centered on supporting instructional excellence, strengthening bilingual and multilingual programming, leading school improvement efforts, and fostering meaningful family engagement. I am passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals.
I believe that education is most successful when schools and families work together. By building strong partnerships and maintaining a focus on continuous growth, we can create opportunities for all students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
I earned a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Concordia University Chicago and a Master of Arts in Communications, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, from Governors State University.
MrS. MELISSA RIGHTER
I am honored to serve as Assistant Principal of Hill Elementary School. I am passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, and staff and believe that a positive, supportive school culture is essential to student success.
My career in education began as an art teacher in Cicero, and I later transitioned into educational leadership, serving as an assistant principal at both the elementary and middle school levels. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to supporting the whole child by fostering academic growth, encouraging creativity, and helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to become lifelong learners.
I believe that every student deserves a learning environment where they feel valued, connected, and inspired. By working collaboratively with families and staff, we can create meaningful experiences that help all students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Outside of school, I enjoy creative pursuits such as painting and candle making, staying active through cycling and running, and spending time with my daughter, Ella. I look forward to partnering with the Hill community and supporting our students as they learn, grow, and achieve their goals.