Technology Center of DuPage names new principal

The principal of Westmont High School will soon lead the center that oversees career training for two dozen high schools throughout DuPage County.

Starting in July, Steve Carr will become principal of Technology Center of DuPage in Addison. The school offers 21 for-credit career programs like fire science, automotive and cosmetology for high school juniors and seniors, which they take as elective classes.

Carr has worked in education for 21 years, serving the past decade as principal of Westmont High School, one of the technology center’s 24 member schools. He will replace Edward Susmilch, who is retiring after 18 years leading the technology center.

More than 50 people from across the country applied for the post, and Carr was chosen from four finalists. Steve Clark, director of the technology center and the DuPage Area Occupational Education System, said his experience made Carr stand out.

Carr’s specializes in curriculum alignment, student assessment and instructional design.

“His background with comprehensive high schools and the connection he will bring to TCD is crucial,” Clark said. “He understands career education and how it applies to academics and I think he will make that natural relationship. A lot of people think we’re here building bird houses and tool boxes, but over 80 percent of our classes are dual credit with College of DuPage.”

Carr has a bachelor’s degree in English education from Eastern Illinois University and began his career in the Milwaukee public high school system. After earning a master’s degree in administrative leadership with the University of Wisconsin, he moved into administration as an assistant principal, focusing on curriculum.