Da Vinci Academy names new head of school

After a national search, the new head of school at Elgin’s DaVinci Academy will come from the next town over.

Scott Etters, currently the gifted magnet program leader at Wredling Middle School in St. Charles Unit District 303, will succeed Jeff Stroebel, who has accepted a position in Washington. Etters begins July 1.

Though he was not actively searching for a new position, Etters said it was an opportunity he could not pass up.

“The most intriguing part for me was being able to work with the board and community as far as the DaVinci school’s vision, strategic planning and day-to-day operations of the school,” Etters said.

At Wredling, Etters led the implementation of the Infinity gifted program, which began as a way to address the needs of the top 2 to 3 percent of middle school students across the district in math, science, language arts and social studies. In its three years, the program has grown from 60 students to more than 100 students.

Nancy Sohn, a member of the DaVinci Academy board of trustees, said a national search committee with experience with independent schools presented a pool of about 40 candidates. The five-person search committee then narrowed candidates to a field of eight, from which three were interviewed and brought in to the school.

“For us, he really fit the profile of what were looking for,” said Sohn, who was a member of the search committee. “He is someone who is a clear leader and has leadership experience. Scott has a proven track record in most everything he has done, especially in teaching. His enthusiasm for teaching kids and helping them reach their full potential was contagious.”

In addition to his background in education, Etters has worked in the energy and aerospace industries, owned a business and published a fantasy/adventure trilogy.

“I am looking forward to working with the DaVinci community and helping them get to the next stage,” Etters said.