Aurora Resident Becomes New IMSA Principal

For Immediate Release, April 1999
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033

AURORA-- The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) has announced the appointment of Aurora resident Eric McLaren as its new principal. McLaren currently serves as IMSA assistant principal and will officially assume his new position July 1, 1999.

McLaren will succeed current IMSA principal Gregg Sinner, Ph.D., who will resign effective June 30, 1999 to accept a principalship at Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School in Devens, Massachusetts.

IMSA President Stephanie Pace Marshall, Ph.D., said McLaren has served the Academy for 13 years and is highly regarded for providing successful leadership and moving the Academy forward in a variety of key strategic areas.

"I am extremely pleased that Mr. McLaren has accepted his newest challenge to become IMSA’s next principal," Dr. Marshall said. "Eric has brought vision, expertise, focus and integrity for more than a decade to the multiple leadership roles he has held in the areas of residential life, student leadership development and administration," she added. "We look forward to his continued outstanding leadership and support working with IMSA staff, students and parents, and the Illinois educational community."

McLaren earned his B.A. in Psychology at North Central College in Naperville, IL., M.S. in Education at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education at Northern Illinois University.

McLaren, a charter IMSA staff member, served as a residential counselor, head residential counselor, coordinator of residential life and most recently as assistant principal and interim director of student leadership development.

McLaren said he looks forward to meeting the new challenges that lie ahead for IMSA and the state of Illinois in the new millennium.

"IMSA has been invaluable to me over the past 13 years, both in terms of professional growth and in the relationships I have nurtured with staff, faculty, students and parents throughout Illinois," McLaren said. "I look forward to the continued evolution of IMSA as an environment that supports the development of students as ethical leaders, and integrative problem finders and problem solvers," he added. "I welcome the opportunity to serve a community so dedicated to providing students with the learning and living skills needed to succeed in the new millennium."

Marshall said she expects board approval of McLaren’s appointment in May.

Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 14,000 teachers and 20,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from IMSA's professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.