Grande Park's New Prinicipal is a Familiar Face

Submitted by Oswego School District 308

OSWEGO, IL — Grande Park Elementary School will have a new principal who is already familiar with the culture of the school.

At its meeting on Monday, Feb. 8, the Board of Education approved Grande Park Elementary Assistant Principal Sean Smith for the principal position at Grande Park. Smith will replace outgoing Principal Beth Wulff. He officially takes over as principal at Grande Park on July 1, 2016.

“Sean Smith has proven himself to be an effective leader and is an excellent choice to replace Principal Beth Wulff,” said Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services Dr. John Sparlin. “I am a believer of hiring from within and growing our own talent, and Sean Smith is a great example of this. His administrative, classroom and community engagement experiences position him well to lead as principal of Grande Park.”

Smith said he is excited about continuing his career with School District 308 and serving as the leader at Grande Park Elementary.

“I am very humbled and honored to be chosen as the new principal of Grande Park Elementary School,” Smith said. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with the students, staff and families and to building on the wonderful traditions that have been established.”

Smith began his teaching career in School District 86 in Joliet, Ill., for one year. He then taught fourth grade in School District 92 in Lockport, Ill., from 2004 to 2012.

Smith joined School District 308 in 2012 as Grande Park’s assistant principal, where he filled in when Principal Beth Wulff was out of the building; provided leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programming; and analyzed student achievement data, among various other administrative duties.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, and a master’s degree in School Guidance and Counseling from Lewis University, Romeoville, Ill. Smith also earned a second master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of St. Francis, Joliet, Ill.