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Building Administration

Morton Alternative School Administrators

At Morton Alternative School, our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all students, staff, and educators. Meet the dedicated Morton Alternative administrative team—committed to delivering the highest quality education and helping every student succeed. Together, they lead with purpose, foster a culture of respect and achievement, and work in partnership with families and the community to ensure student growth. Get to know the leaders who make Morton Alternative a place where students thrive.

Dr. Erin Kelly

Morton Alternative School Principal

To quote Shakespeare literally, “The wheel has come full circle.” Many years ago, I taught English at the Alternative School for four and one half years and after that I transitioned to administration.

As a Dean of Students at Morton West and then moved to positions as an Assistant Principal at both the West and East campuses in various capacities for six years. During my residency at Morton East, I filmed a documentary during which several families opened up their homes to me to speak about their personal struggle. Now I am back to where my career at Morton began serving as the Principal of the Alternative School. I strongly believe the measure of who we are is how you react to things that don’t go the way we would have wanted. My students’ stories about their journey that led them to the Alternative School have humbled me, but more importantly, have helped me to grow as a leader.  I am so proud of all of the students I have come into contact with who have found reliance in adversity and have learned not to take failure personally.

District History

English Teacher > Dean of Students > Student Activities Director > Assistant Principal > Principal

Degrees and Certifications

  • National Louis University, Doctorate in Educational Leadership
  • Benedictine University, Master's in Educational Leadership & Admin
  • Carthage College, Bachelor's in English Language & Literature

Email Dr. Erin Kelly

Bart Bates

Dean of Students

I am very proud to be Morton Alternative School’s Dean of Students.  I will continue to see that all students rise to their fullest potential, both educationally and personally. My goal is to be an advocate for the students and the parents in the community and partner with them to create impactful, life-long memories. This will be my third year at Morton and year 30 in education! My previous position was the Dean of Students at the Morton East campus. I take immense pride in serving the Cicero community and honestly believe in fulfilling District 201’s mission that “Every Student Succeeds.” 

Degrees and Certifications

  • VanderCook College of Music - Bachelor of Music Education 
  • American College of Education - Master of Education in Educational Leadership
  • American College of Education Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
  • Concordia University Director of Special Education

Email Bart Bates