The Danville school community and the city of Danville is mourning the death of former high school Principal Mark Neil. The retired administrator, who retired in 2013, passed away unexpectedly on Monday. He died from medical complications. He was 60 years-old.

A native of Chrisman, Neil began his long career teaching at Catlin as a junior high and high school teacher/coach before moving on to Rossville-Alvin's high school and elementary school where he served as a guidance counselor.

He moved to the Danville school district in 1984, where he served "with distinction and honor" for 29 years, according to Superintendent Mark Denman.

"He was a man who expected the very best from others," Denman said. "He had a great sense of humor ... and he was well-respected.

Denman said the two got to know each other when they both served as middle school principals.

Denman credited Mr. Neil with leading the successful restructuring of the high school and implementing the four small learning communities — Freshman House, Danville New Tech High, GLOBAL House and ACE House.

Neil was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University.

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