Galesburg 205 recently hired Geoff Schoonover as the new principal at Silas Willard Elementary School.
Schoonover has been an educator for 32 years. He previously served as the superintendent at Knoxville District 202, at Cornell CCSD 426 near Pontiac, and as the Superintendent of Schools at Windsor CUSD # 1, located east of Mattoon. He also was a principal and teacher in McLean County Unit 5 Schools located in Normal, Illinois, and a teacher at Villa Grove Schools in Douglas County. Most recently, Mr. Schoonover taught 5th-grade science at Lombard Middle School.
“I am excited and honored to be able to serve the Silas Willard students and community. "Silas Willard is an outstanding school and I am confident that we can build upon the incredible work already in place.”
"I value students, teachers, clear, honest and on-going communication and believe this is essential to moving Silas Willard forward to help ALL students achieve their personal excellence.”
Originally from rural Bloomington, where his parents still reside, he earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Millikin University, and a Master’s Degree in education — educational administration, from Illinois State University. He received his specialist degree from Illinois State University in Educational Leadership.
Schoonover has two children, Nick who is 28, and Anna, 24. He enjoys spending time with his granddaughter, Layla, exercising, reading, fishing and going to sporting events, concerts and restaurants. His passion, beyond working with students and educators, is working in the yard and reading inspirational stories. Schoonover is also an avid Chicago Bears fan.
Welcome to Silas Willard Elementary, Mr. Schoonover!