Aurora educator named Southbury Elementary assistant principal

The Oswego School District 308 Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Aurora educator Blake Cline as assistant principal at Southbury Elementary School, 820 Preston Lane, Oswego.

Cline’s hire was approved during the Aug. 9 meeting of the Board of Education. District documents show that Cline will earn a base salary of $66,775, pro-rated for an Aug. 10 start.

Cline began his career in education in 2014 as a high school special education in a behavioral support classroom at C.O.R.E. Academy, Menta Group, in Aurora, according to a press statement from OSD 308.

Over the past seven years, Cline has worked as an elementary special education resource teacher, head coach for Supported Training Experiences Post Secondary (STEPS) Eagles Special Olympics Team, self-contained special education teacher for transition aged students between the ages of 18 and 21, and an Extended School year (ESY) Coordinator, the district statement continued.

“We are excited to welcome Blake Cline,” Director of Elementary Education Lindsay Allen said, adding, “Mr. Cline comes to us with vast experience in the special education field which will greatly contribute to his role as Assistant Principal.”

Cline earned his bachelor of science degreein education, learning behavioral specialist from Illinois State University in Normal, and his master’s degree in educational leadership, principal endorsement, from Aurora University in Aurora.

“I am excited to be joining Oswego 308 because it has a kind and professional culture,” Cline said. “I am grateful to be the new assistant principal at Southbury Elementary.”

OSD 308 began the 2021-2022 school year Aug. 18.