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Warsaw, IL – Dr. Doug DeSchepper has been in the field of education for 22 years.
He started out as a teacher in nearby Plymouth, IL. After ten years in the classroom, DeSchepper became a principal and a superintendent.
He most recently served as superintendent of the Durand School District, which is located near the Wisconsin/Illinois border.
DeSchepper says he became interested in the Warsaw job because of his familiarity with the area. He says he was also intrigued by the fact that the district co-ops in sports with Nauvoo-Colusa and Hamilton and was part of the state's first double deactivation with Nauvoo-Colusa.
DeSchepper says one of his goals is to continue and improve the district's strong vocational technology program.
"As a principal, I was really involved in the vocational area," said DeSchepper, "and that is one thing that is very strong here, which excites me. I am back in the agricultural area. I grew up on a farm, so this is something near and dear to my heart."
DeSchepper says he is also excited about the district's dual credit program with Carl Sandburg College. He says it is wonderful for students to be able to leave Warsaw High School with so many college credits.
DeSchepper says he will spend the next few weeks meeting faculty, staff and community members He says he will also be keeping an eye on the budget and the happenings in Springfield.
DeSchepper signed a three-year contract with the Warsaw School District. The agreement includes a year-one, base salary of $98,000.
DeSchepper replaces Kim Schilson, who resigned to take over as superintendent of the Illini West School District.