Administration

Cindy Larry

Cindy Larry

Principal

Ms. cindy larry

Greetings! 

I look forward to another remarkable school year with our Herget community! I find joy in encouraging and inspiring students here at Herget Middle School to be the best they can be in and out of the classroom! I received a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Aurora University. I started my educational career in West Aurora School District 129 in 1995 as a special education intervention teacher. I have had the pleasure of being the assistant principal at Smith Elementary and principal at Hill Elementary School.  It is my utmost pleasure to now serve as the principal of Herget Middle School where I continue to engage in professional learning opportunities.

Middle school is a very special time, with tremendous social, intellectual, and physical growth taking place in three years. This is an exciting and significant time of learning, discovering, moving from the elementary experience and preparing for the journey into high school and beyond as students become increasingly independent with their studies and begin to take more responsibility for their learning. What happens during these few short years will have a lasting impression on their academic and social growth.  

I strongly believe that each student is a unique individual and should have opportunities that embark on an engaging, supportive and explorative educational journey. My priority is to ensure that we are providing instruction through the curiosity, complexity and joy of learning through shared commitments of education in collaboration with working with our parents. We continue to address this by setting shared academic and social expectations and providing supportive systems for students as we continue our own professional development. I remain eager and deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of students.

Over the years, I have also worked for Nike, Disney and The Association for Individual Development-Keeler Center here in Aurora, Illinois. During my free time, I love spending time with family and friends where family game nights continue to be my favorites. I enjoy traveling where I can make historical connections and learn new information. I get excited about every school year and continue to look forward to collaborating with the Herget community! 

Kari Nicholson-Rigaud

Kari Nicholson-Rigaud

Assistant Principal of Teaching & Learning

MS. KARI NICHOLSON-RIGAUD

I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve as an assistant principal at Herget Middle School. I truly enjoy supporting and working with the students, staff, and parents of this wonderful school community. 

Prior to this role, I served as the district’s grades 6 through 12 English curriculum coordinator. In that position, I oversaw a department of nearly 100 teachers, supported the development of the English curriculum, as well as coached and evaluated teachers. 

I began my educational career as a middle and high school English teacher in School District 129 for a total of 16 years. Additional leadership responsibilities included serving as the English department chair and head girls’ volleyball coach at West Aurora High School. 

Phil Zelman

Phil Zelman

Assistant Principal Operations

Mr. Phil Zelman

I have worked in District 129 since 2003 both as a teacher and as an administrator. I began my career at Jefferson Middle School where I taught math and reading as a 6th grade teacher and coached football. I became the student services specialist at Jefferson Middle School and then moved to Greenman Elementary School as an assistant principal. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a master’s degree from Aurora University.

I currently serve as the assistant principal of operations at Herget Middle School. I look forward to continuing my work with the students, staff and families of this great school.

Lindsey McGee

Lindsey McGee

Dean of Students

MS. LINDSEY MCGEE

I am excited to continue my administrative career as dean of students at Herget Middle School. One of the best parts of this position is the time I spend building relationships with students, staff, families, and the greater Herget community!

I began my career in public education in Crete Monee Community Unit School District 201-U at Crete-Monee Middle School, where I taught writing, communication arts, and drama for three years. Before my current role, I was a teacher leader in East Aurora School District 131. I taught drama and theatre arts for six years at Waldo Middle School where I also served as a drama club sponsor and mentor to new teachers. I have been an active member in the Aurora community for years and my two children and I are proud to call the City of Lights our home.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in theatre from North Central College, a Master of Arts in teaching from Aurora University, and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from North Central College.