Central A&M High School will welcome a new leader this summer as Larry Daly has been named the school’s next principal. Daly will step into the role on July 1, replacing longtime principal Charles Brown, who is retiring after a decade in the position.

Daly, a Taylorville native, brings extensive experience in education and administration. He currently serves as principal of St. Teresa High School in Decatur, a position he has held since 2016. Prior to that, he was the assistant principal and dean of students at St. Teresa beginning in 2008. His career in education started in the classroom, teaching fourth grade at South Fork Elementary School from 1996 to 2003, before transitioning into administration as principal of St. Mary School in Taylorville.

A graduate of Taylorville High School, Daly earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1995 and later obtained a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2002.

Daly expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, "I am very excited about becoming the principal of Central A&M High School. It is an incredible community and an excellent school district. I am honored to be chosen for this position and will work hard to continue the tradition of academic excellence and creating opportunities for students."

Central A&M Superintendent Sacha Young said the district is pleased to bring Daly on board. As Daly prepares to step into his new position, Brown reflected on his time leading the school and voiced confidence in his successor. Daly currently resides in Taylorville. He has two grown children, Sean and Paige, who live in Chicago and Johnston City, respectively.

With the transition set for this summer, Daly will soon begin working with the Central A&M staff to ensure a smooth handover as the school moves into the next chapter of leadership.