EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 has appointed Ali Hiller as principal of Nelson Elementary and Jamie Anderson as principal of Glen Carbon Elementary.
Both appointments were approved May 26, 2026, by the District 7 Board of Education. Hiller and Anderson will assume their new roles July 1, 2026.
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Hiller is completing her second year as assistant principal at Woodland Elementary. Prior to her appointment at Woodland, she served as an administrative intern at Hamel Elementary and Midway Elementary.
“I have spent my entire professional career in District 7 and have been fortunate to learn from so many outstanding leaders and educators along the way,” Hiller said. “Professionally, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the students, families, and staff within this community. Personally, I am passionate about giving back to the Edwardsville community and supporting educators so they can help every student achieve personal success.
“Over the past two years at Woodland, I have had the opportunity to build strong relationships with many of the families within the Woodland/Nelson community,” she said. “In my new role, I hope to help create a safe, steady, calm, and supportive environment for the entire Nelson community.”
Hiller, the 2026 Illinois Principals Association Southwest Region Assistant Principal of the Year, previously taught first grade for eight years and second grade for three years at Goshen Elementary.
“It is with great pride that we recognize Mrs. Hiller for her outstanding leadership and dedication to our students, staff, and families,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Allen Duncan Jr. “As an assistant principal at Woodland Elementary, she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, positive school culture, and meaningful relationships. We are confident that Mrs. Hiller will bring that same passion and vision to her new role as principal of Nelson Elementary, where she will continue to inspire and support the entire school community.”
Hiller earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Greenville University and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She also earned her principal endorsement from SIUE.
Hiller and her husband, Leighton, live in Edwardsville and are the parents of two children who attend District 7 schools: Renly, 9, at Columbus Elementary and Niall, 6, at Leclaire Elementary.
Anderson is completing her second year as assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School. Prior to joining Lincoln, she spent 12 years teaching first grade at Leclaire Elementary after 11 years as a kindergarten teacher at Nelson Elementary.
“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as principal of Glen Carbon Elementary,” Anderson said. “Having spent the past 25 years in this district, first as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher, and most recently as a middle school assistant principal, I have developed a deep commitment to our students, staff, families, and community.”
“One of the most rewarding parts of elementary education is seeing students light up as they learn something new, gain confidence, and discover their potential,” she said. “I look forward to celebrating both the big milestones and the small everyday successes that make the Glen Carbon school community special.”
“A dedicated educator with 25 years of service in District 7, Mrs. Anderson brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to student success and community engagement,” said Duncan. “For the past two years, she has served as assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School, where she has provided thoughtful leadership while fostering a positive, supportive environment for students, staff, and families. I’m excited to see the next chapter of Glen Carbon Elementary under Mrs. Anderson’s leadership.”
Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in elementary education from SIUE and also earned her educational administration degree from SIUE.
Anderson and her husband, Kyle, live in Edwardsville and are the parents of three children who have attended District 7 schools, including Graham, 17, who will be a senior at Edwardsville High School next year, and Keaton and Gwen, both EHS graduates.
