Administration

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF STUDENT SERVICES

I am honored to serve as the assistant principal of student services at West Aurora High School. This will be my seventh year in School District #129. Prior to this role, I served as the dean of students and assistant athletic director. Before jumping to administration, I taught English and coached football and basketball at Lisle Senior High School. I graduated in 2009 from Augustana College, where I majored in secondary English education and was also a member of the football team.

Since arriving in School District #129, I have enjoyed building relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members in each of my roles. I look forward to continuing to serve the West Aurora community.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR ACTIVITIES

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR TEACHING & LEARNING

I have been working for West Aurora School District 129 since 2011. I received my undergraduate degree in Political Science and Secondary Education from the University of Iowa and I hold a Masters in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. I began my career as an educator teaching social studies, with a focus on government, before pursuing a position in educational leadership. In the administrative arena, I have worked as a dean of students, served as the assistant principal of student activities and currently lead as the assistant principal for teaching and learning at West Aurora High School.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF OPERATIONS

I started in West Aurora School District 129 in 2014 as the Assistant Principal of Operations.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

I graduated from Aurora University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, then with a Master’s Degree in Teaching from AU in 2001. From 2001-2012, I worked in the Oswego School District at Thompson Junior High (2001-03), Oswego High School (2003-04), and Oswego East High School (2004-2012) teaching Social Studies. At OEHS, I was also the Head Boys Basketball Coach, Head Boys Golf Coach, and Assistant Athletic Director.

I have served as Athletic Director at West Aurora High School since 2012.

Assistant DIRECTOR of Extracurricular Activities

I am excited to be going into my second year as assistant director of athletics and activities at West High

From 2014 through 2021, I taught physical education at various levels within School District 129. Most recently, I taught self-contained physical education at the Blackhawk Academy and served as a summer school administrator. Through my role as summer school administrator, I oversaw daily operations such as the coordination of transportation and course placements for students. I also bring a wealth of experience in athletics to my role, having coached basketball, soccer, and football. 

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in physical education from Judson University and a Master of Arts in leadership and administration from National Louis University.

Mr. Dan Rymarz

I have been working for West Aurora School District 129 at West Aurora High school since 2008.  I earned my bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College in History and Secondary Education, earned my endorsement in Special Education from Roosevelt University, and my Master’s in Educational Leadership from North Central College.  I began my career in Special Education before moving into my current role as Dean of Student in the Ambition House. 

Mr. DAVID AGUILAR

I look forward to making a positive and enduring impact with students, staff, and the surrounding community as dean of students at West Aurora High School.

Previous to my time at West High, I served as dean of freshmen students at Larkin High School in Elgin. In that position, I worked to build awareness of student expectations and implement a behavior matrix that was practiced throughout the building. Most importantly, I ensured that restorative practices, an approach that develops community and manages conflict by building relationships, were used when managing conflict.

Prior to my time at Larkin, I spent six years as a history teacher and foreign language facilitator at East Aurora High School. There, I developed lesson plans that reflected the unique learning styles of the students in my classroom.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in history from Northeastern Illinois University, a Master of Science in teaching and learning from the University of St. Francis, and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Aurora University. 

Mr. CHRIS CAMERANO

I look forward to becoming part of the diverse school community at West High and I am excited to meet and work with the students and staff this upcoming school year.

From 2013 to 2022, I served as the lead physics teacher at West Chicago Community High School. In the classroom, I used restorative practices to build positive relationships and create a healthy classroom environment. My leadership experiences include having mentored new teachers, acted as an athletic supervisor, and served on the building communications team. Prior to my time in West Chicago, I taught at Joliet West High School for three years. 

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in science from Eastern Illinois University, as well as a Master of Arts in teacher leadership and a Master of Science in principal preparation, both from Concordia University Chicago.

Mr. PATRICK ESCHMAN

Hello! My name is Patrick Eschman and I am happy to be serving as the Dean of Students in the Pride House at West Aurora High School. This will be my first year as the dean and my sixth year at West High. Before becoming a dean I worked as a teacher in the self-contained program for students with emotional disorders. I was also a student council sponsor focused specifically on school spirit and helping connect students to the traditions that make West Best and increasing Blackhawk Pride. Before coming to West Aurora School District 129 I taught at a middle school in Southern Illinois for five years where I also taught in a self-contained program for students with emotional disorders.

I am an avid West High sports and activities fan. You will probably see me at many after-school events cheering on and supporting students as they compete. When I am not at school I enjoy cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues and spending time with my dog, Maggie. One of my favorite pastimes is hiking and I have a goal of visiting all of the National Parks. I have visited 15 so far.

I am excited to meet the students and families of the Pride House and be a resource to connect students to West High. I look forward to working with students and helping foster an environment of equity and opportunity.

Ms. Jennifer Legris

I joined West Aurora School District 129 in the 2018-2019 school year, arriving from Riverside School District 96. I received my undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, where I majored in Education. I received Master’s Degrees in Child and Adolescent Development from Concordia University and Educational Leadership from Capella University. I am enjoying being the Dean of Tradition House.