West Aurora High School Gets New Dean Of Students

AURORA, IL — A new dean of students has been appointed at West Aurora High School.

Kirsten Argyelan was approved for the job by the West Aurora School District 129 Board of Education during its June 16 regular meeting.

"I am thrilled to be a dean at West Aurora High School," Argyelan said in a statement. "I am thankful for the leadership team to partner with me in supporting students in their educational journey."

Argyelan brings about two decades of experience in secondary education to the role, having worked as a teacher, counselor and department chair at multiple Chicago high schools.

Argyelan comes to District 129 after most recently serving as department chair and behavioral health team lead at Farragut Career Academy in Chicago Public Schools. In the position, she coordinated student support, restorative practices and early college partnerships.

The administrator's leadership focuses on fostering schoolwide culture and climate, District 129 officials said in a news release. She has aligned social-emotional support with instructional goals, mentored new professionals and increased access to early college opportunities. She has also played a lead role in professional development design and delivery, feedback systems, and cross-functional team collaboration, officials said.

Argyelan has a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education from Arizona State University, a Master of Education in school and community college from DePaul University and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Aurora University.