Springfield Public Schools has completed its search for the next principal of Cherokee Middle School and is pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Andre Illig, the current principal of Los Osos Middle School in San Luis Obispo, California. Mr. Illig will replace Dr. Bill Powers, recently named principal of Kickapoo High School.
“We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Illig to Springfield Public Schools,” said Dr. Shane Dublin, executive director of secondary learning for SPS. “This selection resulted from an extensive interview process that included teachers, staff, students, system leaders, parents, and other community members. The consistent feedback from those involved in the search is that Mr. Illig is a dynamic, positive, relationship-oriented leader.”
Mr. Illig joins SPS with eight years of administrative experience, with a proven record of success. During his leadership with the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, Los Osos Middle School received national recognition as a “School to Watch” from the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. The school achieved this distinction as a result of strategic work in social equity and academic excellence, which resulted in significant gains in achievement and reductions in discipline. Prior to his work as an administrator, Mr. Illig taught high school chemistry and biology.
“It is an honor to join the Cherokee Middle School team,” said Mr. Illig. “The creation of opportunities where each learner is met with an engaging, relevant and personal education aligns with my core values as a school leader. I am looking forward to being part of the rich traditions of excellence, as well as building on the community support at Cherokee.”
Mr. Illig holds undergraduate degrees in German and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in curriculum and instruction from San Diego State University and his K-12 principal/administrative licensure from Hamline University.
