Community Unit School District 200’s Post

Please join us in congratulating Alexis Hanson who was named the new Executive Director of Special Education for Community Unit School District 200! At their June 13 meeting, the Board of Education approved Alexis Hanson as the new Executive Director of Special Education for Community Unit School District 200 and will begin on July 1. Ms. Hanson will be replacing Mrs. Erica Ekstrom, who will serve as an Assistant Superintendent in another school district. Ms. Hanson comes to District 200 from St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 where she has served as the Director/Associate Director of Student Services since 2020. Ms. Hanson has spent her entire career in District 303 and has also served as the Assistant Director of Instructional Interventions for one year, Elementary Intervention Coordinator for two years, Instructional Support Coach at Bell Graham Elementary School for one year, and was a Special Education Resource Teacher at Corron Elementary School for 10 years. Ms. Hanson earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from Western Illinois University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership with a director of special education endorsement from Aurora University. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Mrs. Melissa Murphy is excited to have Ms. Hanson join her team. “I want to congratulate Ms. Hanson on her appointment as the next Executive Director of Special Education for CUSD 200,” said Murphy. “Ms. Hanson has spent her entire career in a very comparable district to ours, and her extensive experience and unwavering passion for special education will be a huge asset to the staff and students in our community.” Ms. Hanson is looking forward to her new role with CUSD 200. “I am thrilled to join CUSD 200 as the new Executive Director of Special Education,” said Hanson. “This new opportunity represents an exciting next chapter in my special education career, which spans almost two decades. I am eager to collaborate with the dedicated staff, families, and community to support and enhance the educational experiences of each and every one of our students. I look forward to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment.” In the coming months, Ms. Hanson will invite staff and community members to a series of Listen and Learn sessions to gain a deeper understanding of our programs and student needs. We will communicate the dates and times for these engagement sessions soon. #YourCommunitySchools

Please join us in congratulating Matt Epperley who was named the new Assistant Principal at Hubble Middle School! At their May 8 meeting, the Board of Education approved Dr. Matt Epperley as the new Assistant Principal at Hubble Middle School beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Dr. Epperley will be replacing Mr. Andrew Vondran, who will serve as a Principal in another District beginning next year. Dr. Epperley comes to District 200 from the Cooperative Association for Special Education (CASE) where he currently serves as an Administrator for Social Emotional Health and Wellness since 2020. Prior to that, he served in various roles in District 308 in Oswego as the Restorative Justice Coordinator for two years, the District School-Community Coordinator for one year, and was the Assistant Director of District Student Services for one year. Dr. Epperley served as a school counselor at Murphy Junior High in Plainfield for four years, and began his career as a school counselor at Marion Junior High School in Marion, where he served for two years. Dr. Epperley earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a master’s degree in educational psychology with an emphasis in school counseling from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a second master’s degree in educational administration and leadership from Mckendree University and a doctor’s degree in leadership in educational administration from Aurora University. Hubble Middle School Principal Dr. Jon Pilkington is excited to have Dr. Epperley join his administrative team. “I want to extend a warm congratulations to Dr. Epperley on his appointment as the next Assistant Principal at Hubble Middle School,” said Pilkington. “Dr. Epperley is a passionate leader who prioritizes student growth and success. His unwavering support and advocacy for students and teachers will enable us to continue building a positive and strong school culture at Hubble.” Dr. Epperley is looking forward to his new role at Hubble. “I am truly honored to be selected to serve as the next Assistant Principal at Hubble,” said Epperley. “I am eager to get started and look forward to working with staff and parents to empower students to reach their highest level of learning and personal development.” #YourCommunitySchools

Please join us in congratulating Patrick Graff who was named the new Assistant Principal at Bower Elementary School! At their April 10 meeting, the Board of Education approved Patrick Graff as the new Assistant Principal at Bower Elementary School beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Mr. Graff will be replacing Mrs.Katie DeLaRosa, who will serve as Principal at Emerson Elementary School beginning next year. Mr. Graff comes to District 200 from Lisle Elementary School where he currently serves as the Dean of Students since 2022. Prior to that, he spent four years teaching fifth grade at Lisle Elementary School, and he began his career as a first grade teacher at Circle Center Grade School in Yorkville for two years. Mr. Graff earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an endorsement in language arts from DePaul University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from National Louis University. Bower Elementary School Principal Bridget Moore is thrilled to welcome Mr. Graff to her administrative team. “I want to congratulate Mr. Graff on his appointment as the new Assistant Principal at Bower,” said Moore. “Mr. Graff’s experience and knowledge as an administrator at a large elementary school will be a great addition to Bower. He is eager to build positive relationships with students, staff and parents, and we can’t wait to see all that he will accomplish when he joins us next year.” Mr. Graff is looking forward to his new role as Assistant Principal at Bower. “I am truly honored to be selected to serve as the next Assistant Principal at Bower,” said Graff. “I look forward to joining the Bower community and getting to know every staff member, student, and parent. The staff has already been incredibly welcoming, and I look forward to joining this amazing team.” #YourCommunitySchools

Please join us in congratulating Ryan Ferguson who was named the new Assistant Principal for Student Services at Wheaton Warrenville South High School! At their March 13 meeting, the Board of Education approved Ryan Ferguson as the new Assistant Principal for Student Services at Wheaton Warrenville South High School beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Mr. Ferguson will be replacing Ms. Leah Carter, who submitted her resignation, and her last day with the District will be at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Mr. Ferguson is no stranger to District 200 having served as a Dean at Wheaton North High School for the past 14 years. Prior to that, he spent 10 years teaching physical education at Wheaton Warrenville South. He began his career at Holy Cross High School as a health teacher and department chair for three years. Mr. Ferguson earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Westmar University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership in general administration from Chicago State University. Wheaton Warrenville South High School Principal Lorie Campos is thrilled to welcome Mr. Ferguson to her administrative team. “I want to congratulate Mr. Ferguson on his appointment as the new Assistant Principal for Student Services at WWS,” said Campos. “Mr. Ferguson brings a wealth of knowledge, strong leadership skills, and displays a true passion for supporting students, which will all be an asset to our building when he begins his new role. We are overjoyed to welcome Ryan back ‘home’ to Tiger Nation." Mr. Ferguson is looking forward to his new role as Assistant Principal for Student Services at Wheaton Warrenville South. “I am honored to be selected to serve as Wheaton Warrenville South’s new assistant principal beginning with the 2024-25 school year,” said Ferguson. “As I begin my new role, I am committed to building genuine relationships and fostering a sense of belonging where everyone at South feels valued, supported, and safe. I am eager to get started, and I can't wait to get to know the students, staff, parents, and community members that are the heart of Tiger Nation.” #YourCommunitySchools

The Illinois State Board of Education has honored more than 500 Illinoisans for their extraordinary contributions to education through its annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards. We are so proud to announce that Tiffany Marconi from Wheaton Warrenville South High School earned an Award of Recognition. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Marconi on this well-deserved honor. #YourCommunitySchools

Please join us in congratulating Joseph Drover who was named the new Assistant Principal for Enrichment and Support at Wheaton North High School! At their Feb. 14 meeting, the Board approved Joseph Drover as the new Assistant Principal for Enrichment and Support at Wheaton North High School beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Mr. Drover will be replacing Mr. Jim Venckus, who is retiring at the end of the 2023-24 school year after serving as an Assistant Principal at Wheaton North for 16 years. Mr. Drover is also a familiar face in District 200 having served as the Social Studies Department Chair at Wheaton North for the past two years. Prior to that, he was an Instructional Technology Coach at Wheaton North for four years. He also has experience teaching at Wheaton North, Monroe Middle School and Amboy High School over the span of 12 years. Mr. Drover earned an associate in arts degree from the College of DuPage, a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Illinois State University, a master’s degree from Concordia University and a master’s degree in educational technology from American College of Education. Wheaton North High School Principal Dan Korntheuer is thrilled to welcome Mr. Dover to his administrative team. “I want to congratulate Mr. Drover on his appointment as the new Assistant Principal for Enrichment and Support at North,” said Korntheuer. “Joe began his career as a student teacher at North before becoming a teacher, social studies department chair and coach for the Falcons. Mr. Drover's curriculum development experience and leadership at North will be an asset as he begins his new role and works with students to support and empower them as they reach their full potential." Mr. Drover is looking forward to his new role as Assistant Principal for Enrichment and Support at Wheaton North. “I am honored and excited for the opportunity to continue the tradition of excellence at Wheaton North High School,” said Drover. “I look forward to continuing to develop lasting partnerships with our dedicated staff and community members in order to support the growth of all students.”

Please join us in congratulating Katie DeLaRosa who was named new Principal at Emerson Elementary School! At their Feb. 14 meeting, the Board approved Katie DeLaRosa as the next Principal of Emerson Elementary School. Mrs. DeLaRosa will assume her new role beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Mrs. DeLaRosa will be replacing Mrs. Debra Klein, who is retiring at the end of the 2023-24 school year after serving as Principal at Emerson for 15 years. Mrs. DeLaRosa is a familiar face in District 200 having served as the Assistant Principal at Bower Elementary School for the past two years. Prior to her role at Bower, she was the Assistant Principal at Field and Jefferson elementary schools in Elmhurst District 205 for three years. She also has experience teaching first, third and fourth grades over the span of nine years. Mrs. DeLaRosa earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in reading instruction from Concordia University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from National Louis University. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Schuler is pleased that Mrs. DeLaRosa has accepted the new role in the District. “I want to congratulate Mrs. DeLaRosa on her appointment as the new Principal of Emerson Elementary School,” said Schuler. “Mrs. DeLaRosa comes to Emerson with an extensive background in elementary education, and a wealth of experience in special education and building leadership. I believe that her experience, coupled with her strong commitment to education and passionate advocacy for children, will help build on the school’s strong academic excellence.” Mrs. DeLaRosa is looking forward to her new role. “I am honored for the opportunity to serve as the next Principal at Emerson,” said DeLaRosa. “I look forward to joining the Emerson family and getting to know each student, staff member and parent as we work hand in hand to create a vibrant and supportive educational environment.”

Happy #ThrowbackThursday to 1966 at Wheaton North High School! Go Falcons! #YourCommunitySchools

Here's a little #MondayMotivation from Sandburg Elementary! How sweet are these smiling faces?!? #YourCommunitySchools