2 New Administrators Appointed At West Aurora School District 129

AURORA, IL — Two new administrators will join West Aurora School District 129 beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

Anabel Martinez will serve as the department administrator of world languages and biliteracy for grades 6-12, while Kelly Person will take on the role of assistant director for special education for specialized programs and services. The Board of Education approved both appointments at its regular meeting Feb. 17.

Martinez currently works as dean of students at West Aurora High School, where she leads the Pride House team, coordinates plans for students with physical or mental disabilities, conducts staff evaluations and collaborates on student services initiatives. Before becoming dean, she taught Spanish at West Aurora High School.

Martinez obtained her bachelor's degree in Spanish from Carthage College and got her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from American College of Education.

"I want to thank Dr. Smith, the school board, and district administration for the opportunity to serve SD129 in this role," Martinez said in a statement. "I look forward to collaborating with our educators as we continue to strengthen our World Language program and expand on meaningful learning experiences for our students."

In her new role as assistant director, Person will provide leadership, coordination and oversight of the district's specialized programming, including the outplacement process for students whose needs require services that aren't provided by the district. Person currently serves as principal of Hope D. Wall School.

Her previous leadership experience includes serving as assistant principal at both Hope D. Wall School and the Early Learning Academy, where she supported district-level coordination of specialized programs, staffing, and building initiatives. Earlier in her career, Person worked as an early childhood special education teacher.

Person has her bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Northern Illinois University. She holds a master's in educational leadership and a doctorate in instructional leadership and coaching, both from Aurora University.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new capacity," Person said. "I look forward to supporting specialized programs through collaboration, consistency, and a focus on meaningful outcomes for students."