Administration
mR. DAVID AGUILAR
As the interim principal of Blackhawk Academy, I am honored to welcome secondary students from throughout School District 129 into our three core programs: SUCCESS Academy, Connections Program, and Transition Program. At BlackHawk Academy, we offer a non-traditional learning environment dedicated to supporting students who benefit from a more personalized approach to their academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the best opportunity to succeed.
Before my appointment as interim principal, I served as the district’s grades 6-12 multilingual learners curriculum coordinator for one year. In this role, I directed the curriculum across all subject areas for students whose native language is not English. This experience deepened my commitment to creating inclusive educational environments that cater to the diverse needs of our student population.
Prior to my work as a curriculum coordinator, I was the dean of students at West Aurora High School, where I focused on monitoring and enforcing student behavior expectations to establish a positive school climate. My efforts were aimed at encouraging good conduct, positive attitudes, and values among all students. I also served as the dean of freshmen students at Larkin High School, where I undertook similar responsibilities to support our youngest high schoolers.
My professional career began as a history teacher and foreign language facilitator at East Aurora High School. I have also had the privilege of serving as an adjunct instructor at both Waubonsee Community College and North Central College, which allowed me to broaden my impact on students at the collegiate level.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in history from Northeastern Illinois University, a Master of Science in teaching and learning from the University of St. Francis, and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Aurora University. These academic experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and inspire our students and staff at Blackhawk Academy. I am excited to work with students and families, connecting them to our community and helping them discover the curiosity, complexity, and joy of learning.
mR. CLIFF ENGLISHHARDEN
My name is Cliff Englishharden and I am delighted to serve our Blackhawk Academy students and families. I have experience working with students and staff at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. I look forward to supporting students academically and emotionally as well as preparing them for the future.
I hold a B. A University of Illinois at Chicago, an M. Ed from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Special Education, an M. Ed in Educational Leadership from Eastern Illinois University, and a C.A.S specialist degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University.
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with family, volunteering, and helping those in need.