Laura Pastirik-Bankowski serves as the principal of Oswego East High School.  Laura's focus is on advancing student learning along with having a commitment to serving the Oswego East community. Laura has been with SD308 since 2014, serving as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at OEHS.  Her knowledge of curriculum, assessment and instruction as well as her understanding of staff, students, and culture, provide a clear continuity of leadership.  Before coming to Oswego East, Laura began her career as a high school social science teacher and served for 8 years. She moved to Ottawa Township High School in 2007 and served as the Director of English Learners program, Director of Title I Program, Assistant Principal for Student Attendance and Discipline, and completed her tenure there as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction.

Laura Pastirik-Bankowski has a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education, with a major in history and minor in social science from Western Michigan University, as well as a master’s degree in educational administration from Central Michigan University.  She also received her Education Specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Capella University.

 

Phone: 630-636-2212

Email: MDarnell@sd308.org

 

Before coming to School District 308 in 2014, Mrs. Darnell taught Spanish for several years in the south suburbs and served as a Department Chair for World Languages/CTE/Fine Arts/ELL at Plainfield East High School in District 202.  She was a dean for two years before moving into her current role as Assistant Principal.   Mrs. Darnell values communication with students, parents, staff, and the community to support students in making positive decisions and achieving excellence in all endeavors.  She communicates with OEHS families, manages building and facility usage, and oversees student attendance and discipline.

Mrs. Darnell earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish both from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

 

Phone: (630) 636-2211

Email: klaakso@sd308.org

 

Mr. Kurt Laakso serves as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at Oswego East High School. Mr. Laakso served as the Dean of Students at Oswego East High School during the 2020-2021 school year. Before joining School District 308, Mr. Laakso was as the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources at High School District 214 in Arlington Heights.  He previously served as the Principal at Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect, and he held the position of Division Head of English and Fine Arts at Elk Grove High School. 

 

 

Phone: 630-636-4520

Email: eaister@sd308.org

 

Mr. Erik Aister serves as the Assistant Principal for Student Services at Oswego East High School.  Mr. Aister has worked in District 308 for thirteen years. He began his career as a Special Education Teacher at Plank Jr High School for one year before moving to Oswego East and serving as a Special Education Teacher for eight years. Mr. Aister held the position of Co-Department Chair for the Special Education Department at Oswego East for four years before moving into his current role as Assistant Principal. Mr. Aister brings a wealth of knowledge in differentiation to meet student needs as well as developing systems of school wide support not only for academics but students social emotional needs.