Board Briefs

The Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education meeting was held on Thursday, May 15. The full meeting agenda can be found on BoardDocs, while a livestream of the meeting can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

Board President Jessica Riddick started the meeting asking for a moment of silence in honor of Melissa Newmark, a valued member of the District 21 team who passed away earlier that week. She acknowledged Melissa's contributions to the district and expressed heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. The board and attendees paused in respectful remembrance.

She also highlighted Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week: "Of course, we appreciate all of our staff that care for our children and keep our buildings running smoothly all year long, but it's nice to have a week where we can really show it."

Dr. Astrid Rodrigues, director of science and social studies, shared information on some grants the district secured for its Project Lead the Way efforts.

The board reflected on the district's Spring Celebration, held right before the meeting, which honored outstanding staff members and their contributions. The celebration recognized individuals in two special categories—Recognizing Distinction and Celebrating Excellence—highlighting those who have gone above and beyond in their roles. Additionally, the event paid tribute to this year’s retirees, honoring their years of service and dedication to the students, families, and community of District 21. The Board expressed its gratitude to all honorees for their lasting impact.

Seven educational support personnel were honored for exemplifying service to the District 21 community. These individuals create a helpful and positive environment, develop positive relationships, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively.

Twenty licensed staff members were honored for demonstrating and advancing the district's values of a professional learning community, including engaging in collaborative teaming.

Sixteen retirees, whose combined experience represents 383 years of history in the district.

Riddick also took a moment to recognize and thank the district’s three student board representatives as they concluded their one-year term. The students were commended for their leadership, thoughtful insights, and commitment to representing the voices of their peers throughout the school year. The Board expressed its appreciation for their contributions and wished them continued success in their future endeavors.

Riddick took a moment to recognize former board member Staci Allan, who stepped down in March after 18 years of dedicated service to District 21. She expressed deep appreciation for Allan's long-standing commitment to students, families, and staff, noting the positive impact of their leadership over nearly two decades.

Vice President Debbi McAtee highlighted the committee's most recent meeting, which included work on a press update.

McAtee recognized the NSSEO's retirees, who have a combined 109 years of service, as well as other work the organization has done over the past month.

Board member Bill Harrison previewed ED-RED's June member meeting, which will be held at the District 21 office.

Harrison said there were openings for IASB's North Cook Division board, previewed the board's mid-June meeting to determine meeting times and topics for next year, and this year's joint annual conference.

Board member Arlen Gould had no updates, as North Cook's next meeting was set to take place during the week of May 19. He told board members he would email them separately about what was discussed.

Gould commented on the new village board and president for Arlington Heights, which had both recently been seated: "Arlington Heights is going through a massive reboot, if you will. Great board members; I think it'll be really great for the community."

Riddick reminded the audience that returning student registration for the 2025-2026 school year was officially open, and to reach out to the registrar's office for any questions or more information. She also mentioned she and McAtee will be conducting interviews for the next student board representatives, which include 11 candidates from Cooper, six from Holmes and seven from London: "This is becoming quite a competitive commodity."

Santiago C. of Cooper, Karla P. of Holmes and Aiden D. of London offered advice to the next class of student board representatives, and reflected on their journey in District 21 as they move on to high school.

• Jessica Riddick, chair
• Iliana Guzman, member
• Arlen Gould, member

• Bill Harrison, chair
• Debbi McAtee, member
• Carrie Devitt, member

• Debbi McAtee, chair
• Dagmara Kalinowski, member
• Iliana Guzman, member

• Arlen Gould: North Cook ISC, Village of Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights Park District, Wheeling Township 708 Board
• Debbi McAtee: NSSEO, Village of Wheeling
• Carrie Devitt: NSSEO (alternate), Village of Mount Prospect
• Bill Harrison: IASB, ED-RED, Village of Buffalo Grove
• Iliana Guzman: Indian Trails Public Library, Buffalo Grove Park District
• Dagmara Kalinowski: Wheeling Park District, City of Prospect Heights, River Trails Park District
• Jessica Riddick: Township High School District 214

Dr. Erica Slack, nurse practitioner for the District 21 Health Center, and Laura Yurisich, manager of community outreach and population health for Advocate, shared an overview of the first year of operation for the health center, and where they hope to take it over the next year.

Amy Breiler, director of teaching and learning for literacy, and Student Services Coordinator Alanna Lambert provided an update on the district's efforts to align tiered support for students with current research and best practice in literacy instruction.

The board discussed a draft of the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, as well as a goal timeline. It is anticipated that the plan will be adopted in June.

• 8.13: Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Indian Trails Public Library District - APPROVED
• 8.14: Approval of Food Service Contract Agreement for FY26 - APPROVED
• 8.15: Approval of UPS Power Protection Units - APPROVED
• 8.16: Approval of Lunch Table Replacement for Longfellow and Poe - APPROVED

The board voted unanimously to appoint Ali Padalik as the new assistant principal of Riley Elementary School, Melissa Kulbeda as the new assistant principal of Tarkington Elementary School, and Diana Granados as the new assistant principal of Whitman Elementary School. All appointments are effective July 1.

The board voted unanimously voted to reorganize the Information Services Department at Technology Services, and appoint Tyler Loch as the new director of technology services and Matt Tanabe as the assistant director of technology services.

In the Business Services Department, Brian Weintraub was elevated to the position of assistant director of finance/comptroller.

The board approved the hiring of Todd Rohwling as the new director of safety and security, effective July 1.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at the Community Service Center and Administrative Office, 959 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling.