Dist. 204 administrator ready to return to elementary school roots

During her four years as assistant superintendent for instructional services in Indian Prairie Unit District 204, Kathy Duncan just couldn't shake the feeling she's an "elementary person at heart."

Duncan will get to return to her first love next year as she becomes the new principal of Ranch View Elementary School in neighboring Naperville Unit District 203.

"I've missed working with elementary staff. I have missed elementary students and the families that surround them," she said. "This is a great opportunity for me to get back to what I really love to do."

Duncan has been a district administrator since 2004, but before that she spent seven years as principal of Patterson Elementary School and two years as a principal in West Aurora Unit District 129.

She holds a bachelor's degree in education from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan., a master's degree in educational leadership from Aurora University and a Type 75 Illinois Administrative Certificate.

"She has a tremendous number of years of experience as an elementary principal and her background in curriculum and instruction will be an enormous asset to the school and district as a whole," Superintendent Alan Leis said. "She's very well thought of by everyone I talked to that has worked with her and we're excited to have her."

Duncan will replace Karen Currier who is moving to the helm of Steeple Run Elementary. The principal of that school, Michael Scorzo, is resigning his position.

Duncan met with Currier and several of Ranch View's Home and School parents Tuesday to start the transition. She said she's looking forward to the opportunity to be a hands-on principal and get to know all the students and their families.

"It's the best job in the world," she said of being an elementary principal. "Where else do you get to go to work and every morning you're standing outside greeting children (who are) happy to be there?"

That's not to say she won't miss her friends and colleagues in District 204.

"I have been privileged to spend many years learning from and working alongside incredibly talented people and I love the people in this district," she said. "I see the benefits of all of their hard work every day."