District 158 seeking new principal for Huntley High

Huntley High School Principal Scott Rowe will take on a new role as associate superintendent for sixth through 12th grades at Huntley Community School District 158.

Rowe replaces Terry Awrey who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Awrey has been with the district 33 years. He was hired as a teacher and coach.

Over the years he has worn many hats, serving as head football coach, Huntley Middle School principal, bus driver, summer custodian, assistant superintendent and finally associate superintendent for several years.

"One of the things that stands out most about him ... in everything he does, you can see his passion and dedication toward students. He cares deeply about their well-being," said Jessica Lombard, District 158 associate superintendent of elementary education and a former student of Awrey's when he taught middle school physical education and health.

"I've known him and seen him as a teacher, administrator and now a colleague," she said. "He is probably one of the most caring and compassionate people I know. Everything he does comes back to what is best for the students. It definitely will be a loss."

Awrey has seen District 158 through its evolution from a small, rural school district with only two school buildings to its current enrollment of 9,650 students in nine schools. He has overseen curriculum, student services, transportation, and a number of other administrative functions.

"He's (been) a pillar of the district for many years," district spokesman Dan Armstrong said. "He really is leaving an extensive legacy here."

Rowe has been with the district seven years, five as Huntley High's principal. He previously was principal at Marlowe Middle School in Lake in the Hills. He will begin his new role next school year.

District officials are seeking his replacement. The salary range is between $130,000 and $150,000. The deadline for applications is Feb. 23 and the job begins July 1.

"We are handling the recruitment process internally," Armstrong said.

Huntley High's enrollment eclipsed 3,000 this school year. Built in 1996, the school had a $35 million addition and renovation project completed in 2016. It included new STEM labs and classrooms, overhauling the cafeteria and Learning Resource Center, and building a 70,000-square-foot field house.