Dan Stecken chosen as next Seneca High superintendent; Mike Coughlin next principal

Seneca High School has named a successor to Superintendent Jim Carlson, who is retiring.

Dan Stecken has been selected to serve as the next superintendent beginning July 1.

Additionally, Mike Coughlin has been chosen to succeed Principal Marty Voiles, who also is retiring.

Both Stecken and Coughlin will sign two-year agreements.

Stecken has served as a teacher and coach for 13 years at Seneca High School and as director of fiscal services and human resources for the past three years.

“I’m excited and honored to be able to continue to serve the Seneca community as the superintendent of Seneca High School,” Stecken said in a news release. “Seneca High School is an incredible place, with many passionate and dedicated individuals who support all students for success. Becoming the superintendent of Seneca High School is a dream job, one that I am humbled to be chosen for. I am prepared to serve the community and our students and to continue our excellent traditions with great Irish pride.”

Stecken has a bachelor’s degree in history and social science education from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University, a chief school business official endorsement from Northern Illinois University and a superintendent endorsement from the University of St. Francis and is completing a doctoral program at the University of St. Francis.

“The school board and administration, in collaboration with the Seneca High School faculty and staff, have made significant improvements to the educational program, building and grounds, technology program and co-curricular programs, while maintaining fiscal integrity,” Board President Ron Frye said. “Dan’s experience with distract finances, district and school improvement initiatives and intimate understanding of the SHS culture made him an outstanding choice to maintain continuity and to continue the progress we’ve made over the past nine years. Furthermore, Dan Stecken is a member of the Seneca community where his children attend Seneca Grade School.”

Stecken and his wife, Karie, live in Seneca with their children, Camryn and Costner.

The Seneca High transition also includes the promotion of Assistant Principal Coughlin to the position of principal.

“To be the principal at Seneca High School is very exciting,” Coughlin said in a news release. “I’m blessed and humbled to be able to continue working with the entire SHS community. I truly can’t imagine a better place to work. I thank Mr. Stecken and the board of education for the opportunity.”

Coughlin is a 27-year veteran of education, serving as special education teacher for 18 years, including one year away from Seneca High School, and the last nine years as assistant principal.

Coughlin has a bachelor’s degree in special education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Governors State University. He and his wife, Carrie, live in Mazon, and his three grown daughters Taelor, Terah and Michaela all are graduates of Seneca High School.

“The board of education has had the privilege to witness the outstanding work of Mr. Coughlin as assistant principal for the past nine years,” Frye said. “We have no doubt Mike will be able to step in as high school principal and demonstrate the excellence for which he is known.”