District 202 Staffers Fill Administrative Positions

Editor's note: The following is a press release issued by :

Three veteran educators and administrators are taking new leadership posts for District 202. 

The board of education on Aug. 20 tabbed Dan Thorse, the current director for middle school administration and personnel as the new assistant superintendent for administration and personnel position. He replaces Darlene von Behren, who took a new position in another district in June. 

Thorse has served in his current role since 2006. He joined District 202 in 2004 as the first principal at Ira Jones Middle School, coming from Naperville District 203, where he was assistant principal at Lincoln Junior High from 1996-2004.

Thorse started his education career in 1983, teaching architectural design at Benet Academy in Lisle. He also taught design and engineering courses at both the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn and Northern Illinois University.

He also taught applied technology at Hinsdale Middle School from 1992-1995, and served as the director of technology and gifted education from 1995-1996 for the Cass School District in Darien, Illinois.

The Board also named Dr. Ed Boswell, current principal of Ira Jones Middle School as the new director for middle school administration and personnel.

Boswell started his education career teaching social studies and language arts at Oswego’s Traughber Middle School from 1995-99. Boswell also coached various high school and middle school athletics while in Oswego.

He came to District 202 in 1999 as the dean of students at , and was named assistant principal at in 2004.

Boswell has also co-led District 202’s Bullying Task Force since 2010. The task force is charged with creating a systemic process for educating students about, preventing and addressing bullying.

“Dan Thorse has wide-ranging experience in administration and personnel matters including contract negotiations and labor relations, and has worked closely with staff and students for many years,” said board of education president Roger Bonuchi.

“Dr. Boswell is a very talented long-term educator and administrator. He is widely considered a good manager and is very personable,” Bonuchi said. “We expect great things from both Mr. Thorse and Dr. Boswell.”

Finally, the Board named  math and science division chair Jamie Soliman the new associate principal. She replaces Darcie Kubinski, who accepted a new position in another district. 

Soliman started her education career at PHSCC – then Plainfield High School – as a math teacher in 1999. She has also coached girls tennis and track, and has served as the school’s yearbook advisor.