Blackhawk Academy's Interim Principal Promoted To Permanent Position

AURORA, IL — After 7 months at the helm of Blackhawk Academy, David Aguilar has been promoted to principal of the West Aurora School District 129 institution.

The Board of Education approved David Aguilar's appointment for the 2025-26 during its regular board meeting Monday.

Since his interim appointment, Aguilar has implemented structures to "foster a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment," district officials said. He has also established high expectations and worked with staff to guide achievement, ensuring all students are on the path to college and career readiness.

Blackhawk Academy is home to three core programs for secondary students: SUCCESS Academy, Connections Program and Transitions Program. The non-traditional learning environment is geared toward students who benefit from a more personalized approach to their academic, social-emotional and behavioral development.

"I am truly honored to serve as the next principal of Blackhawk Academy, a school dedicated to empowering at-risk students and those with special needs," Aguilar said in a statement. "I am committed to implementing our district’s vision by fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where students find joy in their transitions, cultivate curiosity to explore new connections, and embrace the complexity of challenges as opportunities for success. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated teachers, staff, and the West Aurora community to ensure students thrive."

Before his appointment, Aguilar served for a year as the district's multilingual learners curriculum coordinator for grades six through 12. Before that, he was dean of students at West Aurora High School.

Aguilar began his professional career as a history teacher and foreign language facilitator at East Aurora High School. He has also worked as an adjunct instructor at both Waubonsee Community College and North Central College.