Administration

Thornton Fractional South is comprised of the following administrators. This 5-member leadership team implements the District 215 curriculum and policies.

Ms. Lisa K. Bouler, Principal

Ms. Bouler began her career as a high school English teacher in the Chicago Public School system 35 years ago. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Principal for Building Control at Thornton Fractional North High School for two years. She was also in charge of Building Control at Thornton Fractional Center for Academics and Technology, where she began her administrative career with the Freshman Academy, CTE, Virtual Success, and Infinite Success programs in 2008.  

Ms. Bouler’s journey in District 215 spans 31 years, starting at Thornton Fractional South as an English teacher. At T.F. South, Ms. Bouler was the Cultural Diversity Club sponsor, Cheerleader Coach, and Senior Class Sponsor. She was also the driving force behind the creation of the T.A.C.T. Committee (Tolerance, Acceptance, Community, and Togetherness), a committee of staff and student volunteers that organized efforts to build and maintain a positive school climate, showcasing her leadership and initiative.  She has also worked with at-risk students in the Truant's Alternative Options Education Program (T.A.O.E.P) and as a Career Specialist for the Jobs for Illinois Graduates program. 

Ms. Bouler graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a B.A. in Secondary Education English and received her M.A. in Educational Leadership from Governor's State University. She is an avid reader, die-hard Prince fan, and proud mother of two young adult children.

Mr. Rene Valdez, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction

Mr. Valdez is a proud alum of TF South High School, Class of 2007, and is honored to return to serve the community that helped shape his educational journey. He earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics with a minor in secondary education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He later went on to earn two master’s degrees from Concordia University Chicago—one in Curriculum and Instruction with an ESL endorsement, and another through the Principal Preparation Program.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Valdez has taught a range of high school mathematics courses, including several years working with English Language Learners. His leadership experience includes roles as a Tier II math interventionist, dean, and assistant principal at various high schools throughout the area.  Now serving as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at TF South, he is committed to fostering academic excellence and ensuring all students have access to an equitable and engaging learning experience.

Outside of school, Mr. Valdez lives in Dyer, Indiana with his wife and their three young children. A lifelong sports fan, he proudly supports the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and his alma mater, the Fighting Illini.

Ms. Cassandra Brackenridge, Assistant Principal of Building Control

Ms. Brackenridge joins the T.F. South administrative team as Assistant Principal of Building Control after serving as a Dean of Students for 2 years, and 3 years as a Special Education Teacher and Career to Work Training Teacher for Thornton Fractional District 215. In addition, Ms. Brackenridge has served as assistant softball coach and pep club sponsor in the district. Prior to becoming an educator, Ms. Brackenridge served as a Court Coordinator for the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center and Cook County Department Corrections for 5 years, and for the Department of Children and Family Services for 17 years. Ms. Brackenridge earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice (Chicago State University), and has also earned three Master’s degrees in Human Services and Counseling (Roosevelt University), Special Education (National Louis University), and Educational Administration (Concordia University). In addition to her responsibilities at T.F. South, she serves as one of the Directors for the Lansing Association for Community Events and is a Lansing resident. 

Mr. Marc Brewe, Athletic Director 

Marc Brewe is a Lansing native who graduated from T. F. South in 1994. He received his undergraduate degree in Physics and Secondary Education from Ball State University and his Master's degree in Educational Administration from Chicago State University. Prior to becoming the athletic director at T. F. South, he taught science at T. F. South for 11 years. While a teacher, Mr. Brewe coached football, basketball, and baseball, including a stint as the head boys' basketball coach for 7 years. Before that, he worked for District 218 as a science teacher and coach.  Mr. Brewe resides in Manhattan, with his wife Melissa, and two sons, Jackson and Alexander.