March 25--Two East Aurora School District 131 staff members will take over as principals at their elementary schools.
At Oak Park Elementary School, the school's interim principal, Annette McMahon, will take over as principal. At O'Donnell Elementary, Assistant Principal Matt Willigman will become the principal.
Willigman will replace Ed Brouch, who is retiring at the end of the school year.
McMahon, who according to the school district grew up in East Aurora, began teaching in East Aurora in 1999. She taught kindergarten through fifth grades at Gates Elementary School for six years and was named rookie reacher of the year, according to the district.
McMahon then spent five years as a literacy coach at Gates, where she worked with at-risk students, led a reading task force, worked on professional development for teachers and administrators, and helped create literacy tools for teachers. She also helped coordinate the district's summer school program for three years.
McMahon then spent the next five years as an assistant principal in East Aurora elementary schools, before spending the current school year as Oak Park's interim principal.
"I see her as a relationship builder," Superintendent Mike Popp said. "She sees what needs to be done and gets working on it right away."
She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education from Aurora University, according to the district.
"I'm excited to lead and see where the road takes Oak Park," McMahon said. "The future is bright."
At O'Donnell Elementary, Willigman will take over after more than 15 years in the district.
Willigman began working with at-risk middle school students at the district's former Root Street campus, where he spent seven years. He was then named assistant principal at Waldo Middle School and later served one year as assistant principal at the Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy.
"He has found a place where he feels he can make the most difference," Popp said. "The children are so moldable at that age, and he can make a great impact."
Willigman has a bachelor's degree in history from Illinois State University and a master's degree in leadership and administration from Benedictine University.
"I'm looking forward to growing professionally," Willigman said. "I'm looking forward to building on the great things happening at O'Donnell."
