River Trails School District 26 names Kyle Henkel as principal of River Trails Middle School

The River Trails School District 26 (RTSD26) Board of Education approved Kyle Henkel’s hiring on April 16, as River Trails Middle School’s next principal. He replaces Mary Krall-Meske, who has served as the school’s principal since 2020. In the role, Henkel will be in charge of the school’s day-to-day operations.

Since 2020, Henkel has worked as the assistant principal at River Trails Middle School. Prior to this position, Henkel taught business classes at both the high school and middle school levels and served as the dean of students in West Aurora School District 129. He completed his undergraduate studies from Illinois State University and received his master’s in educational leadership from Aurora University.

“We are so proud that Kyle will be the next principal at River Trails Middle School,” said Dr. Jodi Megerle, RTSD26 superintendent. “He is the ideal candidate for this position and can make a significant impact for students, staff, and community in this role. I look forward to working with him to continue to help our students become head, heart, and life ready.”

River Trails Middle School serves the district’s middle school for students in grades 6-8. With a student population of approximately 500, it offers a robust academic program in fine arts, literacy, science, social studies and mathematics. The school is a winner of the 2015 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School Award for sustainability.