Sycamore Middle School names new principal

SYCAMORE – Students at Sycamore Middle School will have a new principal come fall, but it won’t be someone unfamiliar to Sycamore School District 427.

On July 1, Mark Ekstrom will become the new principal of Sycamore Middle School, according to a news release from the Sycamore district.

“I am excited to bring my skills and expertise from my experiences at the elementary and high school to the middle school,” Ekstrom said in the release. “I am honored to be joining an outstanding group of building administrators, teachers, staff and students.”

Ekstrom will replace current Sycamore Middle School Principal Jim Cleven, who’s retiring after 20 years with the district, including 15 years as principal.

Before becoming the director of buildings and grounds for District 427 in July 2019, Ekstrom was an agriculture teacher at Iroquois West High School and Sycamore High School, teaching freshmen through seniors about agriculture business, horticulture, welding, electricity and animal science.

District 427 Superintendent Steve Wilder called Ekstrom one of the most approachable people he’s ever worked with.

“We couldn’t be more excited for Mr. Ekstrom to be the next principal at Sycamore Middle School,” Wilder said in the release. “Mark brings years of experience within our district to this position. While he has served as the director of buildings and grounds for the last five years, he never lost touch with best practices in learning and teaching.

“His experience at the elementary, secondary and district levels will continue to be an asset to our district.”