
With longtime Principal Jim McHolland set to retire after this school year, the Evanston/Skokie District 65 school board appointed Assistant Principal Ann Riemenschneider to replace him starting July 1.
The hire keeps a familiar face in charge at Chute, where McHolland has been at the helm for 26 years. Similarly, Riemenschneider has spent three decades at Chute, including the last 16 years as assistant principal under McHolland.

A leadership survey and an interview committee of staff, families and administrators helped inform the decision, Superintendent Angel Turner said in a message to families on Monday night announcing the appointment.
“Throughout her three decades at Chute and in the extensive interview process, it was clear that Ms. Riemenschneider is dedicated to uplifting students, staff, and families to create an inclusive and responsive learning environment for all,” Turner said in her email.
“Assistant Principal Riemenschneider has spent her entire career with District 65 and has been long known for her capacity to be a true team player and a mentor to new school leaders.”
Earlier this year, the Justin Wynn Fund honored McHolland with the Buddy Portugal Award for contributions to local youth. In her initial announcement of his impending retirement, Turner said he “has made an incredible impact on generations of learners and is beloved by students, staff, and families alike.”

“While we are, of course, sad to see Principal Jim McHolland retire at the end of this school year,” she said in this week’s announcement, “we wish him the best and are more than confident that the Chute community is in good hands with incoming Principal Riemenschneider.”
District 65 names new Chute Middle School principal is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston's most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.