District 200 names Katie DeLaRosa as Emerson Elementary School principal

At the Feb. 14 meeting, the Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 board approved Katie DeLaRosa as the next principal of Emerson Elementary School.

DeLaRosa will assume her new role beginning in the 2024-25 school year. She will be replacing Debra Klein, who is retiring at the end of the 2023-24 school year after serving as principal at Emerson for 15 years.

DeLaRosa is a familiar face in District 200 having served as the assistant principal at Bower Elementary School for the past two years. Prior to her role at Bower, she was the assistant principal at Field and Jefferson elementary schools in Elmhurst Unit District 205 for three years. She also has experience teaching first, third and fourth grades over the span of nine years.

DeLaRosa earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in reading instruction from Concordia University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from National Louis University.

Superintendent Jeff Schuler is pleased that DeLaRosa has accepted the new role in the district.

“I want to congratulate Mrs. DeLaRosa on her appointment as the new principal of Emerson Elementary School,” Schuler said. “Mrs. DeLaRosa comes to Emerson with an extensive background in elementary education, and a wealth of experience in special education and building leadership. I believe that her experience, coupled with her strong commitment to education and passionate advocacy for children, will help build on the school’s strong academic excellence.”

DeLaRosa is looking forward to her new role.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve as the next principal at Emerson,” DeLaRosa said. “I look forward to joining the Emerson family and getting to know each student, staff member and parent as we work hand in hand to create a vibrant and supportive educational environment.”