Horne will leave Monroe to lead Christian school

Monroe School Principal Justin Horne will move into the same role at Timothy Christian School in his hometown of Elmhurst.

Horne will continue to serve as Monroe’s principal until the end of the school year. His replacement will formally begin July 1.

“We wish Principal Horne the best in his next venture,” said Hector Garcia, superintendent of Community Consolidated Elementary District 181. “He has made valuable contributions to the Monroe community and built powerful relationships with students as well as parents. We understand that individuals rarely get the opportunity to join their faith and passion for helping kids.”

Horne has served in District 181 for 16 years — as principal of Monroe School for seven, and as a fourth/fifth grade teacher at The Lane School for nine. During his tenure at Monroe, it was named a Blue Ribbon School (2016) and a Green Ribbon School (2018). He was also instrumental in opening the Monroe Movement Lab, a one-of-its-kind in the area, for students in 2019.

Horne said he is excited about his next challenge but sad to be leaving the district.

“While I was not looking for professional opportunities outside of District 181, I couldn’t pass up the offer to explore the possibility of becoming the next principal at Timothy Christian,” he said. “The new vision and recent work that is taking place in the district will undoubtedly ensure that Monroe continues to be a special place.”

The search for a replacement will begin in March.

“Justin has laid a solid foundation for a new principal to take the reins at Monroe and we anticipate no interruption to student learning as we search for a replacement,” Garcia said.