Student to Principal: New Humphrey Administrator's VVSD Experience Comes Full Circle

Editor's Note: The following is a release from the Valley View School District. 

Valley View’s very own Dan Laverty, the new principal at , places student achievement above all else.

A graduate of , Laverty firmly believes his experience as a student in and his 15 years as a teacher and administrator in VVSD give him a unique insight into what it takes to create a positive learning environment.

“School is about children and learning,” Laverty said. “Parents should be comfortable in knowing I’m here with nothing but the best interests of their children in mind. I’ll treat their children the way I want my child (who coincidentally is entering sixth grade this year) treated.”

Laverty moves into the principal position after teaching language arts at his alma mater, , for six years; and then serving as dean of Students at BHS for five years before becoming assistant principal at BHS in 2007. He also coached football and baseball at BHS and basketball at Ward.

“I’ve been able to work under some great leaders and I know what the high school expectations are for students coming out of middle school,” the former U.S. Army sergeant and Illinois National Guard member said. “Managing such a big building (BHS) and coming to a smaller building will also help me as we look at the vision and growth of Humphrey.”

A graduate of Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary (K-8) Education, Laverty obtained a pair of Master’s Degrees in Educational Administration and in Curriculum and Instruction from Northern Illinois University.

“Humphrey has a strong, dedicated staff that is interested in the success of our kids,” Laverty said. “The most important factor in student achievement is the teacher. We’re here to help the teachers help the kids.”