Schools

District 99 Names New Principal of Downers Grove South

Associate Principal Ed Schwartz has been chosen to fill the vacancy left by Principal Stephan Bild, who retires at the end of the year.

District 99 has selected Ed Schwartz to serve as the next principal of Downers Grove South High School.  His appointment will begin with the 2014-15 school year, pending final approval by the Board of Education on Jan. 27. He has served as associate principal of South High since 2005. 

Schwartz will succeed Stephan Bild, who is retiring after serving six years as principal and 38 years in education.

“South High is one of the highest quality high schools in the state and requires a high quality leader, which perfectly describes Ed,” says District 99 Superintendent Dr. Mark McDonald. “He has earned a reputation in our community as a problem solver, a people person, a staunch student advocate and above all—a leader.”

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“My fellow Board of Education members and I are confident that Ed is the right choice to lead South High in the future,” says Board of Education President Dr. Nancy Kupka. “Ed has an unwavering focus on students and doing what’s best to support them both academically and as individuals.”

District 99 conducted an extensive interview process to fill the principal post. Schwartz was selected from an initial field of 13 applicants, receiving overwhelming support from the staff, students, parents and building leaders involved in the team interview process.

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Before joining South High, Schwartz worked at West Aurora High School for 16 years. While there, he served as an associate principal for seven years, a dean for two years and a math teacher for six years.  He also coached basketball and softball teams.

“I’m grateful to have been selected as the next principal and to have the privilege to continue to serve our students and the South High community,” says Schwartz. “With this being the year that marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of South High, I am looking forward to celebrating past successes, and excited to be part of the bright future that’s ahead for our current and future students.” 

Schwartz holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. He is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Illinois Principals’ Association.

Throughout his career he has been responsible for all facets of school administration, including managing students and staff, staff negotiations, technology initiatives, large-scale facility renovation projects and safety programs. He leads and serves on many executive and building-level committees, all of which focus on school improvement. He has ample experience in instructional leadership, and is knowledgeable about classroom technology and its potential for helping students learn.

 “My work has been enriched by my association with Ed,” says current South High Principal Stephan Bild. “I highly respect his dedication, instincts, educational prowess and decision-making. Leaving South High in his hands selfishly offers me a pleasurable way to end my work here.”

—Story submitted by Downers Grove District 99


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