We are pleased to share that the CUSD 200 Board of Education approved the appointment of four new administrators during their meeting on February 11, 2026. The following new administrators will begin their roles at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Mrs. Courtney Farrell - Principal at Wiesbrook Elementary School
Mrs. Courtney Farrell will serve as the next Principal of Wiesbrook Elementary School. Mrs. Farrell will be replacing Dr. Brian Turyna, who is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year after serving as Principal at Wiesbrook for 19 years and 33 years in CUSD 200.
“I want to thank Dr. Turyna for 19 years of unwavering dedication to Wiesbrook,” said Dr. Chris Silagi, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. “Dr. 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 is a familiar face in CUSD 200 as she began her teaching career in our district in 2005. She most recently served as a Student Support Specialist at Pleasant Hill Elementary School for the past two years. In this role she led efforts in school improvement, school management, instructional practice, professional development, community relations, and student behavior as part of the leadership team. Prior to her role at Pleasant Hill, she was a Math Coach at Emerson Elementary School for eight years and Madison Elementary School for four years. She was also a fifth grade teacher at Emerson for six years, and began her career at Hubble Middle School as a sixth and seventh grade teacher for five years. Mrs. Farrell earned a bachelor’s degree in middle school education from Miami University, a master’s degree in reading from Dominican University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education.
“I want to congratulate Mrs. Farrell on her appointment as the new Principal of Wiesbrook Elementary School,” said Dr. Silagi. “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 is looking forward to her new role at Wiesbrook. “I am honored and excited to join the Wiesbrook community as their next Principal,” said Mrs. Farrell. I look forward to working alongside students, staff, and families to build upon their strong foundation and continue to foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and support for every student.”
Ms. Ashley Atchison - Assistant Principal at Franklin Middle School
Ms. Ashley Atchison will serve as the next Assistant Principal of Franklin Middle School. Ms. Atchison will be replacing Mr. Joe Kish, who is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year after serving as Assistant Principal at Franklin for 19 years and 33 years in CUSD 200.
“I want to thank Mr. Kish for his 33 years of serving the Wheaton community and congratulate him on his retirement,” said Mr. David Bendis, Principal of Franklin Middle School. “It has been an honor to work with him the last 16 years at Franklin Middle School. Mr. Kish leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service to our school community.”
Ms. Atchison is a familiar face in CUSD 200 as she most recently served as the Dean of Students and Emotional Wellness Coordinator at Franklin Middle School for the past four years. Prior to that, she was a Multigrade Special Education Teacher in our District for eight years. She was also a High School Intervention Specialist in Arlington Heights for four years.
“I want to congratulate Ms. Atchison on her appointment as the new Assistant Principal at Franklin Middle School,” said Bendis. “She has all the qualities that we look for in an administrator and I know she is going to have a positive impact on our Franklin community. Ms. Atchison is a strong leader who builds positive relationships with students, parents, and staff. I am excited for her and for us as she moves into her new role at Franklin Middle School.”
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to be Franklin’s next Assistant Principal,” Ms. Atchison said. “I look forward to serving the students, staff, and families of Franklin Middle School and the entire Bulldog community.”
Mr. David Eaton - Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Wheaton North High School
Mr. David Eaton will serve as the next Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Wheaton North High School. Mr. Eaton will be replacing Mr. Matt Fisher, who is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year after serving as Assistant Principal/Athletic Director for 26 years and a total of 31 years at North.
“Mr. Fisher has dedicated himself and his career in education to Wheaton North as athletic director for the Falcons,” said Mr. Daniel Korntheuer, Principal of Wheaton North High School. “Mr. Fisher has created opportunities for thousands of students to have life-changing experiences as athletes at North. I am grateful for all Mr. Fisher has done for our students, coaches, and community, and wish him the very best in retirement. He has been a loyal, committed Falcon.”
Mr. Eaton most recently served as a Dean of Students at North for the past two years. Prior to that, he served as a High School Drivers Education Teacher at North for 21 years. In the athletic space, he currently serves as the boys basketball head coach, and has previously served as girls basketball head coach for 18 years, and was the athletics event manager for 14 years, all at North.
“Mr. Eaton is going to bring the same commitment and dedication to Wheaton North athletics that he has shown in both our boys’ and girls’ basketball programs,” Mr. Korntheuer said. “Mr. Eaton’s energy and enthusiasm for our school and students will have a positive impact on our school and community. I am excited to welcome Mr. Eaton to our administrative team and look forward to the great things he will accomplish as an assistant principal and athletic director for the Falcons.”
Mr. Eaton is eager to begin his new role next year. “I am incredibly honored and grateful to be named the next Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at a school and in a community that has meant so much to me for the past 23 years,” Mr. Eaton said. “Having lived here, taught here, and been deeply involved in our athletic programs, this opportunity is truly personal and close to my heart. I’m excited to continue building strong relationships with our students, coaches, and community as we grow and move forward together.”
Mr. Evan James - Director for Career Pathways
Mr. Evan James will serve as the new Director for Career Pathways beginning in July. After seven years in the District, Mr. Ian Smith, Director for High School Instruction, is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. This opening presented the opportunity to restructure the Educational Services Department and create a position to support the career pathways work in the District.
Mr. James currently serves as the Career Internship Teacher and Program Coordinator at North, which is a new role in the District this semester. Prior to that, he served as an Economics teacher for 12 years, an Instructional Coach for three years, Summer School Teacher for five years and an Instructional Technology Coach for four years all at Wheaton North.
“We are thrilled to welcome Evan James as our new Director for Career Pathways,” said Mrs. Melissa Murphy, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services. “Given his background as an instructional coach and his recent success launching our internship course, Evan is uniquely positioned to grow our career-connected learning experiences for students across the district.
Mr. James is looking forward to his new role in the District. “I am humbled and I am grateful to serve as the Director for Career Pathways,” he said. “There's a lot of people that have had a profound impact and inspired me to get to this point throughout my years as a student and as a staff member in CUSD 200. I want to galvanize students with opportunities to explore their career interests and graduate with the skills and experiences necessary for their post-secondary career aspirations.”