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Meet Your Principals - click on their picture for a short message!
Danville High School
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Tracy Cherry
Principal
Ms. Cherry went into education over 30 years ago because her father was a teacher and administrator and would always take her to school with him. When she was in college, she was a substitute teacher at his school every chance she could and fell in love with teaching. Ms. Cherry has a passion for the youth of Danville and really enjoys her job as Principal of Danville High School because she gets to welcome many of her former student's children. This is an experience I will never forget. I love what I do!
Tracy Cherry relocated to Danville, Illinois in August of 1990. She is the only girl of six children. Her favorite sports teams are the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Phillies! Ms. Cherry enjoys her time selling purses and other bling and non-bling attire at her newest location at the Galleria, located in Downtown Danville! She always enjoys going to festivals and events. She says that selling purses is a way to bring more fashionable bags to the women of Danville. She enjoys being a little fashionista!!
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DeMarko Wright
Associate Principal - Freshman Academy
DeMarko Wright serves as the Associate Principal and Director of Freshman Academy at Danville High School in Danville, IL. He is a proud Danville High School graduate and considers it an honor to work at the school from which he graduated. Mr. Wright has a deep commitment to serving the students of District 118 and the Danville community. Go Vikings!
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Jacob Bretz
Assistant Principal - New Tech Academy
Jacob Bretz began working at Danville High School to start the 2007-08 school year. After graduating from the University of Illinois he began his career as a social studies teacher. He worked as a classroom instructor for 6 years, teaching US History and World Geography. After going back to school to earn his master's degree in Educational Policy, Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois, he moved into the role of assistant principal at the start of the 2013-14 school year. Mr. Bretz loves working at Danville High School because of the rich history, caring staff, and incredibly talented student body. Even though he is originally from Springfield, IL, Danville welcomed him as a young educator with open arms. There's no place he'd rather be.
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Amanda Campbell
Assistant Principal - Viking Academy
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Scot Vogel
Assistant Principal - Viking Academy
Kenneth D. Bailey Academy
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Mitzi Campbell
Principal
Mitzi Campbell is the proud principal of Kenneth D. Bailey Academy. She began her career in Danville as a middle school teacher for alternative education. Highlights of her teaching career include the unification of the alternative programs to KDBA’s current location, being named the 2013 Dr. David L. Fields Middle School Teacher of the Year, and, of course, working with some of the most bright and resilient students in the community. Since her time in the classroom, Mrs. Campbell has had the opportunity to serve as a dean and assistant principal at Danville High School, assistant principal at South View Upper Elementary, and assistant principal and building principal at KDBA.
Mrs. Campbell has a passion for alternative education and she wholeheartedly believes in the mission of KDBA, which is to “empower students to be socially and academically responsible, to foster confidence, and to build self-worth by creating a nurturing atmosphere where students can be successful and embrace new possibilities.” Mrs. Campbell loves working alongside the exemplary staff and students of KDBA!
North Ridge Middle School
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Eliza Brooks
Principal
Hello Everyone,
My name is Eliza Brooks, and I am a Danville Native. I have been in Danville District 118 for 21 years. I have been a principal for 13 years. I have served at Liberty, Mark Denman, Edison, and North Ridge schools. I believe, All students have a gift and it is our job as educators to help them discover their gift. When we accomplish this then all of our students can and will “Reach their fullest Potential”. I am grateful to be working in my gift!!!!!
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Robin Fluno
Associate Principal
Hi, I am Mrs. Robin Fluno. I am the Associate Principal at North Ridge Middle School. 2021-2022 will be my sixth and best year here at the Ridge. I started my career with Danville District #118 in January 2004, as a 5th grade teacher at Meade Park Elementary School. Throughout my tenure, I have been at Meade Park, the Jackson Building, South View, Mark Denman Elementary School and North Ridge. I have gained many “kids” throughout my years.
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Amber Davis
Assistant Principal
Ms. Amber Davis is a Danville native who was raised in Chicago, Illinois. Although some of her family still reside in Chicago, Ms. Davis returned to Danville to pursue her career as an educator. Ms. Davis received her Associates Degree from Danville Area Community College, and her degrees in Education and Educational Leadership from Eastern Illinois University. Ms. Davis considers Danville her home and chose to raise her son in a place she feels offers the small-town sense of community she loves. Ms. Davis is passionate about her hometown and its people. Ms. Davis, in her spare time, enjoys spending time with her son, family and friends.
South View Upper Elementary
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Lindsey Prunkard
Principal
Hello, I am Lindsey Prunkard, the proud principal of South View Upper Elementary School!
Education is very important to me, as I myself am a lifelong learner. I attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. I soon returned to the college setting to obtain a Masters in Administration from Eastern Illinois University and a Specialist in Education Degree (Superintendency). As you can see, continual learning is truly a passion of mine.
I started my teaching career at Meade Park Elementary School here in Danville District 118 and instantly fell in love with our students, families, and community. After teaching 5th grade for a few years, I moved into the role of Meade Park's Data Instructional Facilitator where I was able to assist with instructional planning and delivery for all students K-5th. When our school district created a 5th and 6th grade building here at SVUE, I hopped right in as one of the Assistant Principals here at SVUE before moving to Southwest Elementary School as Principal.
Now here I am, back to call SVUE "home" and to serve as Principal. I look forward to working with all staff, students, families, and community members. It is always a great day to be a Spartan! Please know my door is always open, and again, I look forward to continually learning and growing with our staff and students.
Go Spartans!
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Tanner DeLaurier
Assistant Principal
Hello, I am Tanner DeLaurier, an assistant principal at South View Upper Elementary.
I grew up in Vermilion County and have spent most of my life in the area. I attended Eastern Illinois University, where I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. After teaching a few years, I returned to Eastern Illinois University to obtain my Master of Science in Educational Leadership degree with a Principal Endorsement.
I started my education career as a fifth-grade teacher at Meade Park Elementary. After teaching fifth grade at Meade Park, I moved to South View Upper Elementary when Danville District 118 created a 5th and 6th grade building. I began my administrative career as an Administrative Intern at South View before becoming as assistant principal in the same building.
Teaching and leading are passions of mine and I love to learn new things. Being around the students and families of Danville 118 is a great pleasure and honor.
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Kristin Shanks
Assistant Principal
My name is Kristin Shanks, and I am an Assistant Principal at South View Upper Elementary School.
My educational journey includes obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science with a secondary teaching certificate from Eastern Illinois University. I later obtained a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University.
My teaching career began at Danville High School, where I loved teaching a variety of social studies classes for eight years. I also served as a state of Illinois Civics Mentor for two years, assisting other teachers in implementing the Illinois Civics Standards. Teaching students about civil liberties, civic duties, and governmental structure is a passion of mine. One of my favorite memories was coaching track at DHS. I love District 118 and am excited to continue my career in such a student-oriented district. My career took a challenging new turn in 2016 when I was offered the position of Danville High School Dean of Students. From there, I moved to South View Upper Elementary, where I became an Assistant Principal in 2018.
I love South View Upper Elementary and look forward to articulating our vision and implementing strategies to assist in improving achievement for all students.
Elementary School Administrators
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Betsy Porter
Edison Elementary School
I'm Betsy Porter and I have been the Principal at Edison Elementary for 2 1/2 years. I was an Assistant Principal at Danville High School for 3 1/2 years and a Physical Education Teacher at Liberty Elementary for 19 years. I am married and I have two daughters who attend Danville Schools. I love spending time with my family and friends, and I love to be outdoors.
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Chris Rice
Meade Park Elementary
Meade Park Families,
I would like to welcome everyone to Meade Park Elementary School. Meade Park Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten – 4th Grade. Our mission at Meade Park is to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where all individuals will be actively engaged in personal and academic growth. If we work together to create opportunities for success for our students, the possibilities are endless! I look forward to working with each of you…Go Mustangs!
Chris Rice
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Jonathan Rossi
Southwest Elementary School
Jonathan Rossi re-joined the D118 family in 2018, following three years of service within the Georgetown-Ridge Farm School District as an assistant principal at Pine Crest. His career began at DHS, where he taught Consumers Education for a year and then technology at North Ridge and Southview for four years.
Mr. Rossi grew up in Channahon, Il. and attended Minooka High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University in CTE with a business emphasis. Mr. Rossi earned his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Olivet Nazarene University in 2015.
During his free time, Mr. Rossi enjoys reading, golfing, mountain biking, traveling, and trying new foods.
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Angelique Simon
Liberty Elementary School
Liberty provides rich academic and social emotional curriculums as we prepare students to become great people in our very diverse and ever-changing society. Our open concept model lends itself to daily professional development for staff and encourages community as we nurture and care for one another. As educators, we foster agency for self as our students learn to value their own unique identities and prepare to share their talents with the world.
We are a community of educators. We inspire learning and we expect greatness.
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Stacie Sollars
Mark Denman Elementary School
My name is Stacie Sollars and I am currently the Principal at Mark Denman Elementary School. I have also served as the Interim Principal at Garfield Elementary and Assistant Principal at North Ridge Middle School. I have been part of the Danville District 118 family for 18 years and am proud to call this district my home. When I am away from school, I love spending time with my family and watching my daughter play volleyball and softball. I am looking forward to meeting all our families, and working together to achieve the highest levels of success!
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Justin Thorlton
Northeast Elementary Magnet School
My name is Mr. Justin Thorlton and I am happy to the principal of Northeast Elementary Magnet School. I have proudly been part of Danville District 118 for over twenty years. My wife, Kate and I have four wonderful children that keep us on our toes. Here at Northeast we practice the “Falcon Four” each day: (1) Be Safe, (2) Be Healthy, (3) Be Responsible, (4) Be Respectful. The Northeast community is welcoming and if you ever need anything please stop by the school, give us a call, or send us an email and we’ll be glad to help. Go Falcons!
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Nicole Zaayer
Principal of Garfield Elementary
I was raised in Oakwood (Go Comets!) and reside in Westville with my husband and two children. I feel honored to share that I have been an educator in District 118 for 15 years. During my tenure, I taught math at South View, 2nd and 3rd grades at Southwest, was the district’s math coach, and a Data and Instructional Facilitator at Garfield, Edison, and Meade Park. I would be remiss to leave out my year as an Administrative Intern at KDBA, as the staff and students there left a big impression on my heart.
I am now the principal at the school where it all began for me (I did my student teaching at Garfield in 2006) and I absolutely love being a part of the Garfield family. I have a passion for math, professional development, student engagement, and listening to and encouraging our kiddos – they are why I LOVE what I do! I am committed to being a life-long learner and a leader in our community.
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Derrius Hightower
Assistant Principal - Mark Denman Elementary
Mr. Hightower is a Danville native. He graduated from Danville High School in 2008. He attended Eastern Illinois University graduating with a bachelor's degree in History and Elementary Education in 2014. In 2017, Mr. Hightower earned his master's degree in Educational Leadership. Mr. Hightower has taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, worked as an administrative intern prior to moving into his current position as an assistant principal at Mark Denman Elementary School. Mr. Hightower enjoys spending time with his family and working with students in the school setting.
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Eric Nethercott
Assistant Principal
Mr. Nethercott is a Chicago native whose educational journey led him to Danville. He currently serves as one of the assistant principals at Mark Denman Elementary School. The mission of MDE is to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where all individuals will be actively engaged in personal and academic growth. Now, after several years in the D118 family, Mr. Nethercott is proud to be a member of the MDE community. Go Rockets!