On February 26, 2019, the Riverside Brookfield High School District 208 Board of Education approved a two-year performance-based contract for Dr. Hector Freytas as the principal for RBHS effective July 1, 2019. He will replace current principal Kristin Smetana who will be the assistant superintendent of the district next year.

At 34-years-old, Freytas has served as a Spanish teacher at Morton East High School, two years as an assistant principal and dean at Westmont High School, and is currently in his second year as principal at ASPIRA Business and Finance High School in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago.

Freytas underwent three rounds of interviews with staff, students, and community members.

“Hector demonstrated a high energy level at each round of the interview process. He was very well prepared and did his homework on RB. He is very passionate about education and working with the students, staff, and parents,” superintendent Dr. Kevin Skinkis said in a press release issued by District 208.

Indeed, Freytas’ enthusiasm rings true in his past experiences and his hopes for future endeavors. While serving as a teacher, Freytas was the varsity wrestling coach and sponsor of the College Bound Student Association, Debate Team, and Bible Club. Freytas looks forward to being a part of a student-centric educational environment.

“My number one goal is to build relationships… I bring a passion and enthusiasm and I only aim to be the best. With me working with the stakeholders, we’re all going to be better together. We’re going to improve in every area: attendance, academics, relationships… I’m here to add value and refine,” Freytas said.

Describing himself as a leader who is a listener and collaborator, Freytas feels that his job at RBHS is to serve, inspire, and bring people together.

Freytas received his Ed.D. from National Louis University and an M.Ed. from Concordia University, both of which are in Educational Leadership. He received both a M.A. and B.A. in Teaching of Spanish from the University of Grenada, Spain, and the University of Illinois, respectively.

Freytas looks forward to building off of the excellent programming already at RBHS with the committed RB community. Freytas, a native Spanish speaker, grew up in Chicago, Puerto Rico, and Cicero. Currently living only 15 minutes away in Cicero, Freytas and his family—wife, son, and baby on the way—are ready to fully commit to the tasks of the job.

“School is a 12 to 14 hour day… I’m here to be at almost every game, every competition because I know that people are investing in me,” said Freytas.

Freytas will begin his tenure at RBHS with a $135,000 yearly salary.