Gower 62 Community Newsletter
September 24, 2026
We are off to a Great Start!
Simon Says - Thoughts from your Superintendent
Click this link to listen to Simon Says as a Speechify-produced alternative.
I’ve always appreciated the philosophy, "It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish," but there is no denying the power of starting off on the right foot. Five weeks into the school year, I am happy to report that the 2026-2027 school year is off to a great start!
From hiring outstanding new staff members this summer to adding more sports, clubs, and student leadership opportunities at both of our schools, every decision we make is designed to uphold our district motto: Children at Their Best! This starts with a safe, welcoming, flexible, and challenging classroom environment for a diverse student body, and something we do not leave to chance. It is the direct result of hard work and intentional design by our staff, leadership team, and Board of Education. With this in mind, please take time to familiarize yourself with our Student Support Services, the Tip 62 Bully Prevention Form, and our Parent/Student Handbook.
This strong momentum this year is also thanks to you! A great school year starts at home, and your involvement makes Gower truly exceptional. Thank you for making our Curriculum Nights a success and for filling the room at Gower West’s Grandparent Bingo! Be on the lookout for more information about our new StopFinder app!
It's another busy and exciting night in Gower! Our 2nd Annual Health and Wellness Night is being held at Gower West from 6:00-7:00 p.m. While parents explore local health, wellness, safety, and community resources in the cafeteria, students can enjoy the Gower Foundation's Unplug Event in the Large Gym. You can also grab dinner at Panera in Willowbrook before or after the event to support the Gower PTO's Dine-In/ Take-Out fundraiser until 8:00 p.m. - just mention "Gower" at checkout.
The momentum we have in Gower along with the strong parent engagement relate directly to the upcoming leadership transition at Gower Middle School. After 15 years of dedicated service as the principal of Gower Middle School, Mrs. Murphy is retiring at the end of this school year. We will miss her and are deeply grateful for her service to the Gower Community. To prepare for next year, the search for our next principal has officially begun. You can review the general job description at the following link: Job Posting - Gower Middle School.
Your voice matters in this process! We are collecting input through October 4th to help guide our teachers, staff, administrators, parent panelists, and Board of Education members during candidate screening and selection. Share Your Feedback here: Parent Feedback Form
If you are interested in serving on the Parent Panel Committee to participate directly in the candidate interview process, please submit the Parent Panel - Gower Middle School Principal Selection Committee Form by 5:00 p.m. CST on Sept. 30th.
As always, if you would like to discuss this or any other Gower Community topic further, please reach out to me directly at vsimon@gower62.com.
With gratitude,
Dr. Victor Simon
Superintendent of Schools
StopFinder -Bus Tracking App Pilot
Exciting News!
StopFinder was recently added to Bus Routes 2 and 5 for Gower West and Gower Middle on a pilot basis, and the parent and driver feedback has been positive. Plans for expansion to all routes are underway. StopFinder is a free parent engagement mobile app to provide real-time school bus tracking, route schedules, and custom alert zones (GeoAlerts) for students. Stay tuned for more information as we expect a full rollout of this additional layer of bus safety in late October. For more information regarding our District Transportation program, we encourage you to click the following link to download and read our annual report: Gower 62 - Annual Transportation Report
Board of Education Meeting - Public Hearing & Regular Meeting 9/23/2026
Board of Education Meeting Recap | September 23, 2026
The Gower District 62 Board of Education held its regular meeting on September 23, 2026. Prior to the regular business meeting, the Board conducted a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget. No public comments were received, and the Board later approved the budget as presented.
Here are highlights from the meeting.
Board Salutes
The Board recognized five staff members who achieved tenure this year. Gower West Principal, Meg Hoff, introduced Christine LaLonde (Early Childhood Education). Gower Middle School Principal, Tracy Murphy, introduced Samantha Bodenheimer (6th Grade Math), Diana Kleinaitis (Special Education), Emma Pienkos (Spanish), and Amanda Spencer (8th Grade English Language Arts).
The Board also celebrated the accomplishments of Gower Middle School student golfers Cameron Dynkin and Emma Chau. Cameron was recognized as an IESA Sectional Qualifier and SDEAA Boys Golf Conference Champion. Emma advanced to the IESA State Tournament after a seventh-place finish at Sectionals, shot an 88 at the State Tournament, and earned second place at the SDEAA Girls Golf Conference Tournament.
Public Comment
Three community members addressed the Board regarding concerns about a district bus stop.
Superintendent's Report
In this month's Superintendent's Report, Dr. Simon provided updates across each of the 5Essentials and included a detailed report on Student Enrollment and Class Size . Another important highlight was that the selection process for the next principal of Gower Middle School has begun with a job posting for internal candidates. The process will include a Parent Selection Committee as well as Parent Feedback
Teaching, Learning & Student Support
The Board reviewed and discussed several policy updates. Policies related to personnel, homework, and student rights and responsibilities were presented for first reading. The Board also approved updates to the Student Attendance and Truancy Policy.
Assistant Principal Julie Schiffler presented Gower Middle School's School Improvement Goals for the 2026-27 school year, highlighting priorities and initiatives designed to support student achievement and school growth.
District Operations
The Board reviewed monthly financial reports, the Administration, Teacher Salary and Benefits Report, and a recently approved library grant. Board members also discussed the Board Charter and Social Contract as part of their ongoing governance self-evaluation process.
Dr. Simon presented a district transportation overview, including information on bus eligibility, routing practices, and the process used to determine unsafe walking conditions for students. Board members engaged in discussion and asked questions regarding transportation procedures.
The Board also received the IASB 2026 Resolutions Committee Report and heard an update regarding Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests received since the previous meeting.
Board Action
The Board approved:
- The September Consent Agenda
- Monthly payroll and bills
- First readings and postings of several Board policies
- Updates to Board policies related to student attendance, health requirements, suicide and depression awareness and prevention, and public suggestions and concerns
- The 2026-27 District Budget
Looking Ahead
Families and community members are invited to participate in several upcoming events:
- September 24: Health & Wellness Expo, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- October 9: Early Dismissal
- October 12: No School, Columbus Day & Indigenous Peoples Day
- October 21: Supt Chat, 5:30pm
- October 21: Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
- October 22: Multicultural Night at Gower Middle School, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- October 30: Early Dismissal
The Board entered closed session at 9:53 p.m until 10:40 p.m. to discuss student safety and performance of a specific employee. After returning to open session, the Board took no further action other than adjourning the meeting at 10:40 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting will be held on October 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Gower School District Board Room at Gower West. Community members are encouraged to attend and stay engaged with the work of the Board and the district.
Board Salute
The Board saluted our wonderful teachers who made tenure this year! Congratulations to them and we thank them for all their hard work and dedication to the Gower Community!
Pictured left to right: Samantha Bodenheimer, 6th Grade math; Amanda Spencer, 8th grade ELA; Diana Kleinaitis, Special Education; Emma Pienkos, Spanish; Christin LaLonde, ECE
Board Salute
The Board also saluted our Gower Middle golfers. Special thank you to our Coach, Linda Cusick and our Athletic Director, Mr. Dunning!
Pictured left to right: Cameron Dynkin and Emma Chau
Open Invite! Supt. Chat.
Join Dr. Simon for a chat about "all things Gower" and to learn more about topics important to YOU! The next Supt Chat will be held on Oct. 21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Gower School District Board Room, located at the south end of the Gower West campus, Door #B22. All are welcome. Please use the following link to complete a Topics of Interest and Questions Form to help guide the conversation (SURVEY LINK). No RSVP required.