New Riverdale Administrators Start July 1st

Josh Temple - Riverdale Superintendent

Mr. Josh Temple is entering his nineteenth year, in education, and his first as Riverdale Superintendent. In his last position, he spent eight years as the Riverdale Elementary School Principal.

Mr. Temple grew up in Erie and spent time in the Riverdale School District as a student athlete competing against the Rams.  After high school he attended North Central in Naperville earning his bachelor's degree in history and education. Prior to his experience as an administrator, Mr. Temple taught for ten years in Rock Falls as a 7th grade Social Studies teacher and basketball coach. During his time at Rock Falls, he earned his Masters degree in Curriculum and Leadership from Saint Xavier University and his General Administration certification from Aurora University.

Josh and his wife (Dawn) live in Port Byron with their two children Corbin (8) and Zelly (6).

A message from Mr. Josh Temple:

“Having my own children attend the same building where I served as Principal has been an amazing experience and I feel very fortunate to have formed so many great relationships with the families and staff members in this community. Being very involved at the school as well as in the community has allowed me to experience the support and compassion that our families have for this school district.  My hope is to continue to develop and maintain relationships that will allow for our district to move forward, to grow and to build on the successes of the past.  Trust and collaboration will be the foundation making it possible for us to plan for whatever the future might hold.  Our future is bright and I’m excited to have the privilege to help lead our district for many years to come.  Thank you for supporting our schools, my family and for giving me the opportunity to serve our community.”

Mark Lofgren - Elementary Principal 

Mr. Mark Lofgren is entering his ninth year, in education, and his first as Riverdale Elementary Principal. In his last position, he spent two years as the Middle School and High School Assistant Principal in the Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico school district. 

During his time with the PLT school district, Mr. Lofgren was involved in numerous campus improvement initiatives that promoted student achievement. In addition, Mr. Lofgren served as the campus Athletic Director and Dean of Students. 

Prior to his experience as an administrator, Mr. Lofgren taught for six years including spending his last four years as a high school Social Studies teacher at Riverdale. While at Riverdale, he served as the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach.

Mr. Lofgren has an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership from Western Illinois University. 

Mark and his wife (Alina) live in Port Byron with their two sons Blaine (6) and Benjamin (3).

A message from Mr. Mark Lofgren:

“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Principal of Riverdale Elementary School. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our students, staff, and community as we work together to provide our students with a great education in a safe and supportive environment.”