District Directory

Mrs. Franklin leads the Student Support Services team for Morton 709. She, also, serves as the Principal of Morton Academy.

Under the umbrella of her leadership are Student Support Services including District Social Workers, School Psychologists, Health Care Professionals, and Multi-Language Learner education. More traditional Special Education Programs including Resource Classrooms, RISE (Reaching Independence/Support & Education), and ACES(Academic Connections/Emotional Support) help students meet their educational goals, grow in soft skills, and prepare them for every next step at school and in the community.

Crystal Lohnes came to Morton 709 to bring the food services home. After decades of paying food service providers, she came on board to intentionally build a meal program that students and staff can look forward to in the middle of the school day. She is building menus as she builds a food services team. She would love to hear what your students look forward to the most.

I’ve served Morton District 709 in a variety of roles since 2017, first serving as the district’s elementary MTSS coordinator for five years and recently as an ELA teacher at both Lincoln School and Morton Junior High School (from 2023-2026). I also coach the M.J.H.S. cross country team. Prior to working in Morton, I spent fifteen years at Central Junior High in East Peoria as a classroom teacher, literacy coordinator, and coach.

A Peoria native, I completed my undergraduate degree at Illinois Wesleyan University and obtained my master’s degree at Illinois State University. I’ve lived in Morton since 2003, and my two children (Will and Amelia) attend Morton High School.

I am excited to be moving to the role of elementary instructional coach this fall, supporting teachers and student learning. I am proud to serve our district and am looking forward to collaborating with staff members. In my spare time, you will find me supporting MHS golf, baseball, and dance, and spending time with my family.

Mr. Prichard grew up in Morton and graduated from Morton High School in 2005. He earned his undergraduate degree from Luther College in 2009 and his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Aurora University in 2014. Currently, Mr. Prichard is the Lincoln Elementary PE teacher. Previously he served as an Assistant Principal at Morton High School. Prior to that he taught PE and Health for Morton District 709 for 6 years and served as the head wrestling coach for Morton High School for 8 years.

Mrs. Webb began her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist in 2012 after receiving her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Illinois State University. Prior to working in Morton, she worked in Peoria, providing speech therapy services to students in grades 2-8. Now, she services our preschool-aged students as well as the students at Grundy Elementary. She lives in Morton with her husband and three children. In her spare time, Mrs. Webb loves to read and spend time with her family and friends. She thoroughly enjoys working with the children and families in Morton!