New principal chosen for Blackberry Creek school
By Linda Girardi For The Beacon-News May 15, 2012 6:06PM
Updated: June 17, 2012 8:21AM
Kaneland Blackberry Creek Elementary students will see a new face when the doors open next year.
The School Board this week approved the appointment of Andrew Gibbs, a dean of students in Central School District 301, to be principal at the Elburn school next year. Superintendent Jeff Schuler said Gibbs emerged as a candidate ready to assume the role of principal at the end of an extensive interviewing process.
Gibbs will fill a vacancy created when Bill Becker accepted a position as head football coach and English teacher at West Chicago High School. Schuler said Gibbs has a vision for how the school can continue to enhance the quality of educational programs and services for students.
Gibbs earned his master’s at Concordia University in Chicago and a bachelor’s in elementary education at Spring Arbor University in Michigan. Gibbs said he taught elementary grades in the first eight years of his career in Parma, Mich., and three years in Elgin School District U-46 prior to accepting the dean of students post in Prairie Knolls and Central middle schools in District 301.
“I really want to have a collaborative and open environment, with parents in the building and staff receptive of new ideas. I am looking forward to it,” Gibbs said.
Gibbs will begin his duties July 1 at a salary of $81,000 plus benefits.
