Elgin school officials have hired former Chicago Public Schools administrator Krystal Thomas to lead Elgin High School.

“I’m excited to get started,” said Thomas, who attended Monday night’s Elgin Area School District U-46 board meeting.

She replaces Jerry Cook, a 21-year veteran educator who is taking the helm at Wheeling High School this fall.

Thomas currently serves as principal at Bloom High School in Chicago Heights District 206, which she joined in July 2016. She previously served as principal of North Chicago High School from 2013 to 2015.

At Bloom, Thomas monitored and implemented a $4 million School Improvement Grant and was dubbed an effective manager by more than 91 percent of teachers in a 5 Essentials survey. In North Chicago, Thomas served as the principal of a “turnaround” school monitored by the state.

Thomas earned a master’s degree in general administration and supervision from Chicago State University and an undergraduate degree from Illinois State University.