West Aurora District 129 board approves new administrator

West Aurora Unit District 129 announced the appointment of Robert J. Halverson as the grant applications and accountability manager for the district. His appointment for the 2020-2021 school year was approved by the board of education Jan. 6.

Halverson has been in education for 17 years. He currently serves as principal of Goodwin Elementary School, a post he has occupied since 2014. In addition to his duties at the building level, Halverson sits on the district's English Language Arts and Science Curriculum Development Committees.

Previous to his role as principal of Goodwin Elementary School, Halverson served as assistant principal of Greenman Elementary School, also in District 129 from 2012 to 2014. That role came after a one-year assistant principalship at Romeoville's R.C. Hill Elementary School in Valley View Unit District 365.

Halverson began his career as an elementary school teacher, having taught kindergarten, fourth grade, and physical education between the years of 2003 to 2011. Those experiences were split between buildings within East Aurora Unit District 131 and Valley View District 365.

Some of Halverson's leadership roles while in the classroom include being a fourth-grade team leader, school union representative, positive behavior Interventions and supports team member, and school improvement team member.

His education includes receiving a bachelor of science degree in sports management from Judson College, a master of science degree in elementary education from Aurora University, and a master of arts in educational administration, also from Aurora University.