My name is Ali Bond and it is an honor and a pleasure to be the Williams Bay Elementary Principal. I am very excited to be a part of this outstanding school, district, and community. Prior to being the elementary principal, I was the Director of Student Services for Dunlap Community Unit School District for five years. Prior to that, I was the principal of Ridgeview Elementary School in Peoria, IL for seven years. I truly enjoy the daily interactions with students, families, teachers, and staff as well as instructional leadership at the building level. I am thrilled to have returned to the fun and engaging elementary school environment.
After growing up in Park Ridge, Illinois, I attended Bradley University and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in special education, and certification in educational administration and director of special education. I taught special education for 7 years in Peoria, Illinois before becoming an administrator. I attended the educational leadership and policy analysis executive Ph.D. cohort through the University of Wisconsin – Madison and completed my Ph.D. in May 2021.
On a more personal note, I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with 4 siblings. Since I was 5 years old my family spent almost every weekend and most summers at the family farm in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. I discovered that I am more of a country girl than a city girl. I love to ride horses and enjoy the outdoors. I spent most of my adult life in Peoria, IL where I met my husband, Tom. He is a retired Peoria Police Officer that has worked patrol most of his career but enjoyed the role of school resource officer before retiring in June 2019. My oldest daughter, Eliza, is a first-grade teacher in Las Vegas. My youngest daughter, Conni, works full-time in the community.
In regard to my leadership style, I lead based on my values of teamwork, collaboration, and shared leadership. As the building leader, I am charged to make the final decisions. However, it is important for me to include the input and feedback of those who will be impacted by each decision. My vision for education is to empower all students to reach their individual potential. In order for students to be successful in adulthood, they need to be taught and learn how to be motivated life-long learners, creative critical thinkers, effective communicators, collaborative problem solvers, and responsible and culturally aware citizens. Education systems must provide opportunities for all students to experience these important skills by promoting growth and achievement. In addition, schools must provide a challenging and positive learning environment in the pursuit of excellence. I am proud to be a part of the Williams Bay community and look forward to continuing the legacy of such an outstanding school.
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