Post by WeNeed3 on Mar 17, 2009 5:50:11 GMT -5
New principals named in Dist. 203
By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald
One familiar face and one newcomer have been selected to head Naperville Unit District 203's two high schools next fall.
District officials announced Monday that interim Principal Bill Wiesbrook will take the reins permanently at Naperville Central and Kevin Pobst, who currently is principal at Hinsdale Central High School, will replace the retiring Ross Truemper at Naperville North.
Both signed three-year deals. Wiesbrook will get a base salary of $132,500 and Pobst begins at $140,000.
Wiesbrook, 46, served as assistant principal at Central for three years before taking over the top spot on an interim basis to replace Jim Caudill, who was moved to the district's administrative offices after plagiarizing a speech he gave to students during a graduation event.
Wiesbrook has been at the school since 1996 and previously served as business education teacher and a dean. He lives in Plainfield with his wife and three children.
Being in the principal's role this year confirmed he could make time for both work and family, he said, and he has enjoyed working with Central staff, students and parents.
He is proud of the positive atmosphere at Central this year and that plans for the school's $87.7 million renovation are moving smoothly.
As he continues in his role as principal, the Central community "can expect someone who will emphasize academics and extra-curriculars and social emotional growth all fairly equally," he said.
Wiesbrook has a bachelor's degree in business education from Eastern Illinois University, a master's degree in physical education from Northern Iowa University and administrative certification from North Central College.
Incoming Superintendent Mark Mitrovich assisted with hiring the principals and cited Wiesbrook's "sense of ownership and passion."
"It is evident that he has the confidence of the staff and is driven to provide the leadership required as Central moves forward in meeting the needs of students and staff," he said in a prepared statement.
Pobst, 53, has been Hinsdale Central's principal for two years. He also has served as the Hinsdale district's assistant superintendent for teaching and learning and previously was an assistant principal and department chairman of science and social studies at Hinsdale South in Darien.
He said District 203 has an excellent reputation and has long been on his radar. He feels he can contribute his passion for serving all students.
"I have a lot of interest in high-level academic performance, but also a great deal of interest in engaging all students, making all students feel included in the community, that they're cared for, that they're part of our dreams and we do what we can to make their dreams come true," he said.
Pobst lives in Glen Ellyn and has two children. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Princeton University, a master of arts in teaching from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Education Organization Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Between his undergraduate and graduate studies, he worked for the United Nations helping with economic development in the Middle East.
Among the awards on his resume are the Golden Apple Award for superior teaching and Teacher of the Year honors from both Oak Park and River Forest High School and Hinsdale South High School. He has also participated in Harvard Principals' Center's School Improvement Cohort.
Mitrovich said Pobst's "strong background in curriculum and instruction will complement the programs and direction already in place."
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=279493&src=76