New principal named for Wasco Elementary School

ST. CHARLES – Wasco Elementary School will have a new principal starting this fall.

Stephanie Brennan is a lifelong Tri-Cities resident. She served as both assistant principal and principal in East Aurora School District 131 and was a teacher for West Aurora School District 129 for 12 years.

During their meeting Monday, St. Charles School Board members approved her hiring.

"This was the first time that we did a Zoom interview process," said Jan Geier, the district's assistant superintendent for leadership and school improvement, in taking note of the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has created. "We had a [interview] team of staff and parents from Wasco that just went through this system and this new way of doing it seamlessly."

Brennan earned high marks from the interview team.

"During the interview process, committee members were impressed with her commitment to and compassion for students, staff and families with both experience as a primary and intermediate teacher," Geier said. "She understands the importance and is committed to being present in classrooms and throughout the Wasco School community to build and maintain relationships with all members of this learning community."

Brennan will be working with current Wasco Principal Barbara Stokke to ensure a smooth transition, Geier said.

"And in this day and age of remote learning, she's already been making plans for how she can best connect herself to this new community so that she can introduce herself and get to know that community," Geier said.

Brennan said she looks forward to getting to know the school community.