New principal named at Wheaton's Longfellow Elementary

A new principal has been chosen to lead Longfellow Elementary School in Wheaton.

The Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 school board voted Wednesday to approve the appointment of Sean Walsh. His first day will be July 1.

Walsh, who is currently serving as the director of learning for District 181 in Hinsdale, will replace Dianne Thornburg, who is retiring after 16 years of service in District 200, the last eight of which were at Longfellow.

"I began my teaching career in District 200, so I'm very happy to be returning," Walsh said in a statement.

In 1996, Walsh began his career in education at Lowell Elementary School in Wheaton. He went on to serve as assistant principal at two schools in Palatine District 15. In addition, he has been the principal at Thomas Jefferson School in Hoffman Estates and Oak School in Hinsdale, which was recognized last year as a National Blue Ribbon School.

Walsh received a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College, a master's degree from the University of Illinois Chicago and is pursing his doctorate in educational administration and leadership through the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.