SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF JOHN GLIMCO AS THE PRINCIPAL OF WEST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL

The Dist. 129 School Board approved the appointment of John Glimco on Tuesday, Jan. 18 as the principal of West Aurora High School beginning with the 2005-06 school year. Glimco has more than 20 years of experience as an educator and administrator and is currently an assistant principal at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville.

Glimco began his career in education as a physical education teacher at Lyons Township High School, then became its director of Student Activities. From there, Glimco moved to Neuqua Valley High School and has been an assistant principal since 1999. Other roles he has served through the years include varsity swim coach, alumni coordinator, building fundraiser, honors educator, student council advisor, chief recruiter, and facilities manager.

Glimco has done advanced graduate course work in educational leadership at Loyola University and holds a master’s degree in physical education from Eastern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Augustana College. He has been the recipient of several awards, including a ‘Those Who Excel’ award from the Illinois State Board of Education in 1996. He is active in the Illinois Directors of Student Activities organization, the Aurora/Naperville Rotary Club, the Naperville Park District Youth Ambassadors and the YMCA Board of Trustees.

Glimco and wife Becky are the parents of five children – two in high school, an eighth-grader, a sixth-grader, and a third-grader. They reside in Naperville.

Glimco will lead West Aurora High School, the largest high school in the Fox Valley, with more than 3,100 students and nearly 300 faculty and staff members. His salary will be $109,200 annually.

Glimco said he recognizes that West Aurora has a reputation for excellence and is rich in traditions. He is impressed with the staff’s level of commitment to the students and said he is excited to be working with such a dedicated group. Glimco also said he was grateful to those who have mentored him in his work and appreciates their friendship and the growth they have provided.

Supt. Sherry Eagle said, “Mr. Glimco is an exemplary educational leader who bases his decision-making on ‘students first.’ He is a bright, energetic man who will lead the students, staff and parents of West High into the future.”

Allyson “Sonni” Herget, Board member and chair of the Human Resources/Academic Support Committee noted that Glimco is a principal that she would have liked to work for as a teacher and would like to have for her own children. “We welcome him into the Blackhawk family and know that he will be a valuable asset to our community,” she said.

School Board Vice President Neal Ormond said Glimco brings with him a proven track record of being student-oriented and of bringing together schools and their communities. “West Aurora is very fortunate to have identified someone who, I’m sure, will be passionate about West Aurora High School and its surrounding community,” he said.

LuAnne Kelsey is the interim principal of West High during the 2004-05 school year. Supt. Sherry Eagle thanked Kelsey for her willingness to serve in this capacity. She said Kelsey has been invaluable in her service to the students, staff and families of District 129. “She has positioned the high school well for the future,” Eagle said. Kelsey will transition into another district administrative position next year.

Contact: Sherry Eagle, Superintendent, 630-301-5033, seagle@sd129.org; Chris Crouch, 630-301-5032, ccrouch@sd129.org
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