Robert Halverson appointed superintendent of East Aurora School District

Robert Halverson has been named the new superintendent of East Aurora School District 131. The school board approved his appointment on Monday. He started his role on Tuesday and will work alongside outgoing Superintendent Jennifer Norrell until June 30. After that date, Halverson will become the sole superintendent. Halverson has been with the district for about eight months, serving as the executive director of Finance and Grants. Before that, he worked in various roles, including as principal of Goodwin Elementary School and in the West Aurora School District. He began his education career in East Aurora as a physical education and fourth-grade teacher. During the school board meeting, Halverson expressed gratitude to Thomas Hartman, who he credited with giving him a chance as an educator in 2003. Halverson’s family has deep roots in the East Aurora schools, as his mother and grandparents attended the district, and he was a student there until sixth grade. His wife, Ruby, is also in education as an assistant principal. Halverson aims to improve academic growth for students, especially those working below grade level. He wants to help them catch up and close educational gaps. Additionally, he plans to enhance collaboration among staff and build partnerships with local organizations for student support. Norrell, who has been the superintendent since 2018, will leave the district on July 1 to take a new position in Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233. She has made significant contributions to East Aurora, including improving the district’s image and expanding educational opportunities. At the same meeting, Brian Moreno, a 2014 graduate of East Aurora, was appointed to the school board. The board president noted that these developments reflect a sense of returning home for many involved.