U-46 names new principals at Streamwood High School, Dream Academy

The Elgin Area School District U-46 school board on Monday announced new principals for Streamwood High School and Dream Academy.

Luis Fernando De León was chosen as principal at Streamwood. De León, who has more than 20 years of experience in education, has been assistant superintendent for Oak Park Elementary District 97 since 2023.

It’s a homecoming for De León with U-46. He previously served as principal at Tefft Middle School from 2017 to 2023 and principal at Laurel Hill Elementary School from 2013 to 2017. He also spent time as an administrative intern at Harriet Gifford Elementary School and a bilingual teacher at Nature Ridge Elementary School.

At Dream Academy, Rafael Martinez-Ortiz was promoted to principal from associate principal, a role he’s been in since 2023.

Dream Academy is the district’s primary alternative high school, serving students in grades seven through 12 who require specialized support, smaller class sizes and a trauma-informed environment.

As associate principal Martinez-Ortiz oversees APEX, AVID, physical education, driver’s education and the science and English departments. He is responsible for assessments, Title III funds, graduation, and oversees school counselors and 504 plans.

Martinez-Ortiz previously worked at Elgin High School in administrative roles including assistant principal for freshman success, divisional chair and dean of students and was a bilingual teacher at Elgin and Larkin high schools from 2007 to 2016.

U-46 also has hired Angela DeMay as assistant director of specialized student services compliance after having served in similar roles for the last eight years.