West Aurora School District 129 has appointed a new interim principal of Blackhawk Academy.
David Aguilar, who most recently served as the district’s multilingual learners curriculum coordinator for sixth through 12th grades, will assume his new duties as interim principal for the 2024-25 school year at the academy.
Blackhawk Academy serves secondary students from throughout School District 129 through its three core programs: SUCCESS Academy, Connections Program and Transition Program, district officials said.
“This non-traditional learning environment is dedicated to supporting students who benefit from a more personalized approach to their academic, social-emotional and behavioral development, ensuring they have the best opportunity to succeed,” district officials said in a press release about the appointment.
As the multilingual learners curriculum coordinator, Aguilar was responsible for directing the curriculum across all subject areas for students whose native language is not English, officials said.
Prior to his time as curriculum coordinator, Aguilar served as dean of students at West Aurora High School. Aguilar previously served in a similar capacity as dean of freshman students at Larkin High School in Elgin.
Aguilar began his career in education as a history teacher and foreign language facilitator at East Aurora High School. In addition to the dean and teacher roles, Aguilar has also served as an adjunct instructor at both Waubonsee Community College and North Central College.
Aguilar holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Northeastern Illinois University, a master’s degree in teaching and learning from the University of St. Francis and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University.
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
