Waller Named West Principal

The Sycamore Community School District 427 is pleased to announce Emily Waller has been selected as the Principal of West Elementary School for the next school year. Ms. Waller replaces Ryan Schrader, who was recently named Principal of Forreston Grade School within Forrestville Valley School District 221. She will officially start as principal on July 1.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve the community of Sycamore as principal at West Elementary School,” said Waller. “The faculty at West has an electrifying energy and unmatched passion for the students that makes me excited to be a part of. I am looking forward to meeting all the students, staff, and families as we form a partnership together.”

Following an extensive search and interview process, Ms. Waller rose as the top candidate above a highly competitive group of professional educators. She will join the Sycamore Community School District from the Kaneland Community School District 302, where she is currently the Assistant Principal of Blackberry Creek and John Stewart Elementary Schools.

Ms. Waller brings extensive professional experience as an instructor to the principalship. She began her career in education in the state of Colorado. She served as a 9th grade English and American Literature teacher, 7th and 8th grade Literacy Teacher, ELD Teacher, Reading Intervention Teacher and Credit Recovery Teacher at various districts. In 2020, she returned to her hometown of DeKalb, Illinois to take on the role of 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher in addition to serving as a Principal Intern within Clinton Rosette Middle School in DeKalb Community School District 428.

"We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Waller to our district, and specifically to West Elementary School. Emily gained significant experience as an educator in building relationships, supporting students and their families, and working with staff. In specific, she has a passion for restorative justice to support students,” said Steve Wilder, Superintendent of Schools. “Ms. Waller also has roots in DeKalb County so she is familiar with our community and our school district. I know she's eager to hit the ground running, and we're excited that she will be a part of the Spartan family."

When she’s not at school, Ms. Waller can be found with her two rescue pups, Peter and Penelope. Ms. Waller loves to take her dogs for walks and hikes, try new recipes in the kitchen, and spend time with her family and friends.

Please join Sycamore Community School District 427 in congratulating Ms. Waller upon her selection as the next Principal at West Elementary School.