Andrew High School in Tinley Park and Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort will have new principals next year, according to announcements from district officials following school board meetings last week.

Abir Othman will become principal at Andrew, replacing Robert Nolting who will become superintendent in High School District 230 effective July 1. Superintendent James Gay is retiring at the end of the school year.

Othman serves as associate principal of curriculum and instruction at Andrew.

High School District 210 has hired Toriano Griggs, associate principal at Richards High School in Oak Lawn, to lead Lincoln-Way East next school year. Griggs replaces Sharon Michalak, who is retiring.

Othman has worked in District 230 for 18 years and in April was named 2020 Illinois Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association and insurer Horace Mann.

In a news release, Othman said she is “very honored and humbled” by the promotion.

“Being at Andrew is not a job, it is a way of life,” she said. “We have an outstanding school that can only continue to become an exemplar for the entire state.”

Board President Tony Serratore called Othman a “strong and compassionate leader” who is dedicated to the success of students and staff.

Othman is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership with superintendent endorsement from the University of St. Francis.

Griggs was assistant principal at Lyons Township High School in La Grange and before that was supervisory dean of students at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, where he also worked 10 years as a special-education teacher.

“It is very humbling and at the same time exciting to be a part of such a great institution,” Griggs was quoted in a district news release.

His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in special education from Quincy University and a master’s degree in leadership and administration from Benedictine University.

mnolan@tribpub.com