Three educators are stepping into key leadership roles across the Lake Union for the 2026–2027 school year, including new principals at two senior academies. Samantha Mills is leading Battle Creek Academy, Janette Rodriguez has been appointed principal of Hinsdale Academy and Luis Ortiz is serving as the new education superintendent for the Illinois Conference.
Battle Creek Academy
Samantha Mills has stepped into the role of principal at Battle Creek Academy.
If you ask Samantha why she became an educator, she’ll tell you it all started with Mr. Parsons, her 7th grade geography teacher. As her class ended that year, he pulled her aside and said something simple yet profound: “You’re going to be a great teacher one day.” That small moment stayed with her through high school and into college, where she initially pursued physical therapy.
But God had other plans. After working in physical therapy and marrying her love, Mark Mills, the family relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan. When a university advisor placed Samantha in a History and Foundations of Physical Education course, she fell in love—not just with PE, but with education itself. If anyone can be excited about PE after that class, it was clear where she was meant to be. For the past 24 years, Samantha has taught Physical Education and Health across both public and Adventist schools, touching thousands of lives.
Samantha doesn’t measure success by basketball shots, push-ups, or volleyball spikes. Rather, she believes that lasting learning happens only when there’s a foundation of trust. Her students know that Mrs. Mills has them, that they can do “hard things” and succeed. This passion for mentoring has compelled her to pursue “hard things” herself—completing a PhD in Leadership at Andrews University, with graduation planned for August 2027.
Hinsdale Academy
On July 31, Illinois Conference announced the appointment of Janette Rodriguez as principal for Hinsdale Academy.
Janette is a product of Adventist education and brings more than a decade of experience in Christian education, specializing in the development of STEAM programs and in writing curriculum with a strong biblical foundation. She also brings experience as a consultant in change management and organizational development for mission-driven organizations and schools.
Her studies took her to Colegio Linda Vista, now Universidad Linda Vista, Universidad de Montemorelos, and Andrews University. She holds certifications in Project Based Learning Curriculum Design and Coaching, along with the Harvard Instructional Leadership Certificate. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Leadership at the University of New Hampshire.
Janette is bilingual in English and Spanish and a trained classical pianist. She enjoys the outdoors with her husband, Andres Flores, and their daughters, Aileen and Sophie.
More to read: https://www.ilcsda.org/post/haa-taps-new-principal
Illinois Conference
On June 24, 2026, the Illinois Conference Executive Committee voted to call Luis Ortiz to serve as the next Education Superintendent of the Illinois Conference.
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Luis attended a Seventh-day Adventist church school himself. He served as a principal of a K-8 school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, until he was called to serve as the new Illinois Education Superintendent.
Luis is a 33-year veteran of elementary education, with experience in both public and Adventist schools. He holds a specialist degree in Administration and Leadership and defended his dissertation at La Sierra University on the role of multi-grade teaching principals during Fall 2025.
Originally a music education major, Luis followed God’s call into elementary education and continues to share his love for music as an accomplished pianist. He is also a Master Guide, committed to mentoring young people in leadership and service.
Illinois announced his appointment on Facebook saying, “Dr. Ortiz brings broad experience across multiple levels of the education system, and we are grateful for the leadership, perspective, and commitment to Adventist education he will bring to this role.”
Compiled by Katie Fellows, Lake Union assistant communication specialist.