Principal Named for MVHS

At Monday night's meeting, the Board of Education approved Dr. Darrell Echols as principal of Metea Valley High School. The school's current principal, Jim Schmid, is retiring in June.

Dr. Echols has served as the principal of Hill Middle School since 2010. His previous experience in District 204 includes working for seven years as a middle school teacher, and serving for three years as dean of students at Waubonsie Valley High School. Dr. Echols gained additional school leadership experience serving as a middle school principal in Plainfield for two years.

Superintendent Kathy Birkett described Dr. Echols as a "student-focused educator." She added, "Darrell is a strong communicator who will work well with Metea Valley's great staff, students and parents."

Dr. Echols looks forward to leading Metea Valley. "I am very excited to be joining the staff and students of Metea Valley High School. Principal Jim Schmid has built a strong foundation at Metea Valley where student learning is the focal point. It is an honor to follow him in this leadership role.”

Dr. Echols earned his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and his Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Aurora University.

Dr. Echols begins his new position July 1.