The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education approved the hiring of Luke Munch as the new principal of Mokena Junior High School during January’s Board Meeting.
Mr. Munch will step into the job for the 2025-2026 school year. He will succeed Dr. Mike Rolinitis who is retiring after serving as principal for the past 16 years.
“I am truly honored to serve as the Principal of Mokena Junior High School. It is a privilege to work alongside such an exceptional staff, remarkable students, supportive parents, and a dedicated community. I am excited to embrace this new role and continue our shared journey of success,” said Luke.
Luke has spent the last six years as Assistant Principal of Mokena Junior High School. During his time as Assistant Principal, the junior high school has had numerous noteworthy achievements including a very successful writing initiative, unprecedented achievement and growth state assessment scores, improvements in intervention programming for students needing additional support in reading and math as well as English Language Learners, and the addition of multiple new athletic programs including boys/girls golf, 6th grade girls volleyball, and boys/girls bowling.
Mr. Munch has also been a presenter at local, state, and national conferences in which he has shared the junior high’s school improvement planning process with other educators. He was also recently awarded Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association, Three Rivers Region.
Superintendent Steve Stein shared, “Luke has been an integral part of the Mokena Junior High family since 2019. During his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, and a deep dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment.”
“Luke’s contributions over the past six years have prepared him well for this new role. His proven leadership has guided students and staff through important initiatives, his strong communication skills have built trust among members of our school community, and his vision for the future promises to further elevate Mokena Junior High as a place of learning, growth, and collaboration,” Stein continued.
Prior to joining Mokena School District, Mr, Munch worked in LaGrange School District 102 as an instructional coach and sixth grade teacher. He holds a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from National Louis University and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in math and science from Wheaton College.
Mr. Munch also shared, “In recent years, we have achieved incredible milestones in District 159, and I am proud to be part of such a committed team. Our staff continually goes above and beyond to prioritize the needs of our students. Parents place their trust in us to make thoughtful decisions for their children, while the Board and district administration consistently support our building’s goals. Most importantly, our students rise to every challenge, inspiring and impressing us all with their efforts. I am committed to making District 159 and Mokena Junior High among the best schools in Illinois. I look forward to collaborating with all of you as we strive to achieve even greater success together!”
Mr. Munch will begin his new duties July 1, 2025.