Roach to remain interim principal at Hinsdale Elementary for rest of school year

The change comes after former Principal Molly Bremner left the job in September, only five days after classes started.

Hinsdale Elementary School will keep the same interim leader through the end of the academic year, after the district confirmed that Craig Roach will continue in the role.

Superintendent David Ryan wrote in materials prepared for Wednesday's school board meeting that Roach, who serves as director of curriculum and career readiness, agreed to stay on as interim principal. Ryan had earlier said other district staff would handle the school’s daily operations during the transition.

The change comes after former Principal Molly Bremner left the job in September, only five days after classes started. Neither Bremner nor the district has publicly explained why she departed. Bremner had held the principal post since 2024.

In a Sept. 2 letter to families, Ryan said the school had not experienced an emergency or major incident and that the elementary school would keep operating normally. He later declined to elaborate, saying the written notice contained the full information the district was sharing.

Bremner also declined to discuss the reason for her exit in September. She did say she had been called to the superintendent's office on her final day at the school.

The district had previously identified Christopher Garth as a finalist for the interim opening, according to Sept. 30 meeting minutes. Minutes from the nonpublic portion of that meeting do not show a vote on his possible appointment.

Ryan said in his report that the district appreciated Roach stepping in to provide stability for students and staff while the school responds to increased dysregulated student behavior that has created some unsafe conditions. He said Roach’s experience and existing relationships at the school make him a strong fit for the position.

The superintendent also said district leaders had been adjusting responsibilities across the system so no single employee would be overloaded. The district did not immediately provide additional comment Wednesday.