Wheaton principal moves to Naperville school

Longtime Wheaton principal David Kanne just shortened his commute by a few miles.

Naperville Unit District 203 board members Monday announced Kanne, who lives in the district, has been named the new principal of Washington Junior High School and will replace Bob Ross, who has been promoted to assistant superintendent for secondary education.

Since 2003, Kanne has led Edison Middle School in Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200. During his tenure the school has earned a spot on the state honor roll with an Illinois Academic Excellence Award. Schools that have sustained high academic performance over at least three consecutive years are eligible for this recognition.

“I have been impressed with Dave’s commitment to high academic standards, while maintaining a focus on creating a strong sense of community within each of the schools he has led,” said District 203 Interim Superintendent Dan Bridges. ”I’m confident the Washington community will find Dave to be a highly engaged and enthusiastic leader who is committed to successful learning for all students.”

Prior to working in Wheaton, Kanne also held middle school principal positions in Chesterfield and Webster Groves, Mo. He is also a former student activities director and English teacher.

Kanne and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Naperville and have three children currently attending District 203 schools.

Kanne was not at Monday night’s meeting but will be introduced to the district at the board’s July 16 meeting.

In a letter to the Edison community on Tuesday morning, Kanne wished his former students and colleagues well and said he feels “a sense of anticipation of my future work in Naperville.”

The district also appointed two new assistant principals Monday night.

Kristin Cummings will be join Ranch View Elementary School as an assistant principal. Her teaching and administrative experience includes being the instructional coordinator coach at Kingsley, fourth grade teacher at Beebe and second grade teacher at Spring Brook Elementary in Indian Prairie Unit District 204.

Sarah Cain was appointed assistant principal at Maplebrook Elementary School. Her experiences includes spending time as the instructional coordinator for Meadow Glens and all district fifth grade teachers since 2010 and being a fifth-grade teacher at Beebe Elementary for four years.