Board approves four new administrators across Community Unit School District 200
The Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education has approved the appointment of four new administrators for the 2026-27 school year. The decision was made during a board meeting on February 11, 2026.
Mrs. Courtney Farrell will become Principal at Wiesbrook Elementary School, succeeding Mr. Brian Turyna, who is retiring after 19 years as principal and a total of 33 years with the district. Dr. Chris Silagi, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, said, “I want to thank Mr. Turyna for 19 years of unwavering dedication to Wiesbrook. Mr. Turyna’s leadership has shaped the positive culture at Wiesbrook, and the impact he has made on generations of students and staff is a legacy that will be felt for years to come. We are profoundly grateful for the heart and wisdom he poured into our community.”
Mrs. Farrell began her teaching career in CUSD 200 in 2005 and most recently served as Student Support Specialist at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. She also worked as a Math Coach at Emerson and Madison Elementary Schools and taught fifth grade at Emerson and sixth/seventh grades at Hubble Middle School. Dr. Silagi stated, “I want to congratulate Mrs. Farrell on her appointment as the new Principal of Wiesbrook Elementary School. Mrs. Farrell will serve the Wiesbrook school community at a high level. Her passion for student growth, deep experiences in CUSD 200 and strong knowledge base will help her build on the tradition of success at Wiesbrook.” Mrs. Farrell commented, “I am honored and excited to join the Wiesbrook community as their next Principal,” adding that she looks forward to working with students, staff, and families.
Ms. Ashley Atchison has been named Assistant Principal at Franklin Middle School following Mr. Joe Kish’s retirement after serving in that role for 19 years out of his total 33-year tenure with CUSD 200. Mr. David Bendis, Principal of Franklin Middle School, said, “I want to thank Mr. Kish for his 33 years of serving the Wheaton community and congratulate him on his retirement...Mr. Kish leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service to our school community.” Ms. Atchison previously served as Dean of Students and Emotional Wellness Coordinator at Franklin Middle School for four years and was a Multigrade Special Education Teacher in CUSD 200 before that.
Bendis added: “I want to congratulate Ms. Atchison on her appointment as the new Assistant Principal at Franklin Middle School...She has all the qualities that we look for in an administrator...” Ms. Atchison responded: “It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to be Franklin’s next Assistant Principal...I look forward to serving the students, staff, and families of Franklin Middle School and the entire Bulldog community.”
Mr. David Eaton will take over as Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Wheaton North High School from Mr. Matt Fisher, who retires after serving as athletic director for 26 years out of his total 31-year tenure there.“Mr.Fisher has dedicated himself and his career in education to Wheaton North as athletic director for the Falcons,” said Daniel Korntheuer, principal.“Mr.Fisher has created opportunities for thousands of students...He has been a loyal committed Falcon.”
Eaton previously served two years as Dean of Students at North; prior roles include Drivers Education Teacher (21 years), boys basketball head coach (current), girls basketball head coach (18 years), athletics event manager (14 years). Korntheuer said,“Mr.Eaton is going to bring the same commitment...to Wheaton North athletics...” Eaton stated,“I am incredibly honored...to be named...Assistant Principal/Athletic Director...Having lived here,taught here,and been deeply involved in our athletic programs,this opportunity is truly personal...”
Mr.Evan James becomes Director for Career Pathways beginning July,replacing Ian Smith.Director positions were restructured within Educational Services Department.James currently serves as Career Internship Teacher/Program Coordinator.Prior experience includes Economics teacher(12years),Instructional Coach(3years),Summer School Teacher(5years),Instructional Technology Coach(4years)at Wheaton North.
Melissa Murphy.Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services.said,“We are thrilled to welcome Evan James as our new Director for Career Pathways.Given his background as an instructional coach and his recent success launching our internship course,Evan is uniquely positioned...”James remarked,“I am humbled…I am grateful…as Director…for Career Pathways…I want to galvanize students with opportunities…”
Community Unit School District 200 represents schools across DuPage County including those where these appointments have taken place https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. The district enrolled over twelve thousand students during the last reported school year https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/, with teachers earning an average salary above $77,000 https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. The district reports lower chronic truancy rates than state averages https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/; it spent over $23,000 per student in recent fiscal data https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. Demographically,the student body is predominantly White but includes significant Hispanic.Asian,and Black populations https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.