Associate principal at Prospect hired at Wheaton Warrenville South

The associate principal of Prospect High School in Mount Prospect has been named to the top post at Wheaton Warrenville South High School.

Scott McDermott will become the new principal at South beginning in the 2020-21 school year. McDermott replaces Dave Claypool, who is retiring in June after a decade in Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200.

At Prospect, McDermott has served as the associate principal for instruction and the special education division head. He also has coached students on the speech team to a first-place finish at the National Speech & Debate Association's national championship.

McDermott has worked at Prospect since 2009. Before becoming an administrator, he was a special-education teacher and assistant dean at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview for 15 years.

“His experience, passion and excitement for learning will only build upon the culture and tradition already established at the school,” District 200 Superintendent Jeff Schuler said in a statement.

McDermott received his bachelor's degree in special education from Northern Illinois University and his master's degree in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University, where he also received his administrative certification.

“The minute I stepped into Wheaton Warrenville South, I immediately fell in love with and completely understood what I had heard about the culture of kindness, support, and excellence, as well as the deep tradition,” McDermott said in a statement. “I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to join this amazingly talented staff and school community and I'm looking forward to learning from and growing with them.”