November Newsletter

As we close out November, my heart is especially full. This is a season that invites reflection, and I find myself profoundly grateful for the families, students, educators, and administrators who make District 95 such a remarkable community. It is truly an honor to serve you.

Your generosity throughout the year has empowered the Foundation to bring meaningful initiatives, innovative educational tools, and inspiring experiences to our students and staff. None of this would be possible without your donations, partnership, and belief in the work we do. Thank you for continuing to invest in the future of our district.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to enter a new season of fundraising focused on scholarships and the enhancements for the D-Wing remodel at Lake Zurich High School. These efforts will directly support learning opportunities and equitable access for our students. More details about these initiatives can be found below.

On a personal note, I want to share how grateful I am for the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of the D95 Educational Foundation. Working alongside our dedicated trustees, district partners, and supportive community has been a wonderful experience. I will be leaving from my role at the end of this month to pursue another career opportunity, but I will continue cheering on this incredible community and the important work ahead.

Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your unwavering support. It has been an honor.

Liz Hartke

Executive Director
District 95 Educational Foundation

A glitzy gala inspired by Seventies glam, shining a light on

the future of District 95.

Join us for a night of disco, decadence, and dazzling generosity.

Friday, February 28 | Concorde Banquets

Dress in your sparkliest best. Dance like no one’s watching.

Together, we’ll fund dreams, fuel learning, and light up the night.

More information to come!

Since 2007, the District 95 Educational Foundation has proudly invested more than $1.1 million in our students - supporting innovative programs and hands-on learning experiences that go far beyond what traditional school funding can provide.

And this work is only possible because of you.

As we head into Giving Tuesday, we are seeking funding to continue advancing the programs that shape, support, and inspire every learner in District 95. Your generosity directly fuels:

🔹 Experiential Learning & Career Readiness
Real-world opportunities like the Career Pathways Development program and INCubator entrepreneurship course—preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

🔹 “Future Ready” Student Support
Scholarships, student ambassadors, and trade/technical training that open doors and build confidence, curiosity, and leadership.

🔹 Educator-Led Innovation
Annual classroom grants that empower teachers to bring creative ideas to life—from Building Thinking Classrooms to interactive technology that transforms learning.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in funding the opportunities that shape futures.

Every dollar makes a difference. Every gift strengthens a student’s journey. And every act of generosity moves our mission forward.

We’re looking for a new Executive Director and turning to the D95 community to help spread the word. If you're a great communicator and relationship-builder with non-profit/fundraising experience—and if you believe in our mission to empower and enrich the experiences of all district learners—we'd love to learn more about you. See the full job description and apply here via Indeed.

The District 95 Educational Foundation is excited to introduce the Alumni Connection - a new initiative designed to bring together graduates of Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95. Our alumni are a vital part of our story, and we believe that by reconnecting, we can celebrate the successes of our graduates while also strengthening the future of our schools and community.

Why the D95 Alumni Connection?

The experiences you had in District 95 helped shape your path, and now we want to create a way for you to reconnect with classmates, teachers, and the community that supported you. The Alumni Connection will be a place to:

• Reconnect – Stay in touch with fellow alumni and the district.

• Engage – Participate in events, mentorship opportunities, and networking.

• Give Back – Support today’s students through volunteerism, advocacy, and philanthropy.

Indra Josephs, President

Azure Smith, Treasurer

Savannah Haeger, Vice Chair of Communications

Andy Spetter, Vice Chair of Grants & Initiatives

Ashley Scott, Vice Chair of Development

Willy Borkowski, Secretary

Joe Janicki, Trustee

Vas Russis, Trustee

Kelly Cranstoun, Trustee

John Sfire, Trustee

Feliks Kravets, Trustee

Dr. Kelley Gallt, Superintendent