April 20, 2026 Board Briefs

The Community Consolidated School District 62 Board of Education meeting was held on April 20, 2026. The full meeting agenda can be found on Diligent, while a livestream of the meeting can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

The Gallery 62 Art Exhibit was introduced as a way to recognize works of art created by District 62 students under the guidance of district art teachers. The Board of Education presents the original art to the parents or guardians during eighth grade promotion ceremonies.

The district recognized those students whose artwork was selected to be featured as part of Gallery 62:

• Tiyanna Neely, Algonquin Middle School

• Lillian Speckan, Central Elementary School

• Sakina Bikyeombe, Chippewa Middle School

• Avi Weiland, Cumberland Elementary School

• Airat Ryskulov, Forest Elementary School

• Adali Gootee, Iroquois Community School

• Elyze Nakov, Iroquois Community School

• Sienna Chapman, North Elementary School

• Stefani Jay Ivanov, Orchard Place Elementary School

• Chloe Villegas, Plainfield Elementary School

• Leilani Contreras, South Elementary School

• Isabella Rivera, Terrace Elementary School

Check out the Gallery 62 video below.

Principal Marc Infante and Assistant Principal Costantina Mazzone shared an update on behalf of Cumberland Elementary School. In addition, Principal Carolyn Allar shared an update on behalf of North Elementary School. Both presentations focused on all five goals of the District 62 Strategic Plan. A copy of the Cumberland presentation can be accessed here and a copy of the North presentation can be accessed here.

Chief Technology Officer Adam Denenberg provided an overview of the department projects from the year that focused on implementing security measures and continuing a focus on AI for students as well as staff. A copy of the presentation can be accessed here.

The Board of Education approved two different curriculum adoptions.

Arts and Letters is a comprehensive K-5 literacy curriculum grounded in the science of reading and designed to support all learners. This resource was selected because of these key benefits:

• Knowledge-rich content: Students engage with authentic, high quality texts across disciplines, helping to build vocabulary, knowledge, and comprehension.
• An integrated approach: Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are taught cohesively across lessons, units, and grade levels.
• Engagement and Relevance: Lessons incorporate literature, informational text, art, and multimedia to engage students and connect learning to the real world.
• Support for Diverse Learners: Lessons include specific strategies and resources to support Multilingual Learners and students with diverse needs.
• Teacher usability: Clear, structured lessons and ready-to-use materials support effective implementation while allowing flexibility to meet student needs.

Amplify ELA is a research-based literacy program designed specifically for middle school students. Throughout the piloting process these key benefits were identified:

• Text-centered instruction: Students engage deeply with complex texts, building critical thinking and analytical skills.The program emphasizes close reading, evidence-based thinking and includes meaningful writing experiences.
• Engaging and diverse content: Teachers reported high levels of student engagement with this resource as students have an opportunity to explore a wide range of texts and topics in a variety of ways.
• Differentiation and Assessment: Tools are embedded throughout the resource for teachers to monitor student progress and adjust instruction based on student need.
• Accessibility for Teachers: Amplify includes clear, structured, step-by-step lessons and resources that are easy to access and simplify planning and preparation for teachers.

The Board of Education approved a one-year renewal to the OrganicLife food service contract with a cost increase of 4.1% to the district.

The Board of Education also approved the 2026-2027 school meal fees as follows:

Student Breakfasts: $1.70

Student Lunches: $3.25

Adult Lunches: $3.75

Milk (white); $.65 (no increase)

Milk (chocolate): $.65 (no increase)

Select a la carte items: No increase

The Board of Education approved the plat dedication for the City of Des Plaines.

At the September 2025 Board meeting, administration presented the requested land dedication to the City of Des Plaines so that Fifth Avenue between Algonquin Road to Forest Avenue can be widened. The work to be done this summer will provide additional parking spaces along Fifth Avenue. The project will make Fifth Avenue a little over eight feet wider than it is currently, which will hopefully alleviate congestion. The City of Des Plaines will replace the existing sidewalk running along the east side of Fifth Avenue.

The Plat of Dedication was prepared by R.E. Allen at the request of Alan Armbrust at STR Partners, the district’s architect. The Plat was reviewed by Mr. Armbrust, the city engineers, and the district’s legal counsel. The City has pledged to work with the district to minimize the impact on school operations.

Donna Benhart was named the North Elementary School assistant principal at the April 20 Board of Education meeting.

Donna Benhart brings 19 years of experience in education, dedicated to supporting students, families, and staff. She began her career as an instructional assistant, later teaching language arts and serving as department chair. She also worked as an instructional coach, supporting multiple schools, and for the past two years has served as Assistant Principal in two elementary schools. Throughout her career, Benhart has focused on fostering positive learning environments and helping every student reach their full potential.

“Joining the District 62 family is an incredible opportunity,” said Benhart. “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally—preparing them for success far beyond the classroom.”

Board President Liz Massa attended Forest PTC Cultural Night. It was a huge success. Food, music and artifacts were represented. Algonquin's mariachi band came and played. Mrs. Massa appreciates that so many schools host multicultural nights. President Massa serves as the liaison for ED-RED. The biggest pressing issue is funding at this time. Unfunded mandates and lower proration rates are leading us into an interesting time for funding in school districts, especially within Cook County.

Member Garrett went down to Springfield along with several other districts a few weeks ago. She highlighted a few bills that were hot topics including SB2427 Cell Phone Usage in Schools. She encouraged the Board to learn more about Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) and their impact on education. Finally, on May 20, 6:30 p.m., the Des Plaines Public Library will host an information meeting on data centers. Community members are encouraged to attend.

Member Haring spoke on behalf of the History Center. The History Center has been engaging with schools. Congratulations to Olivia Cimino who is now a full-time curator. Member Haring shared new hours: Sunday-Friday noon to 4 p.m. and Tuesday noon to 8 p.m. The History Center will host a Meet and Greet coming up on April 28, 5:30 p.m. featuring Representatives Michelle Mussman and Justin Cochran. The community is invited to attend to meet these legislators.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Amadei gave a shout out in anticipation of the Special Olympics event which will be held at Hoffman Estates High School on April 25 with opening ceremonies beginning at 8 a.m. and events formally kicking off at 9:15 a.m. The district submitted and received a $34,000 grant to Rivers Casino on behalf of Special Olympics.

Dr. Amadei shared upcoming National Junior Honor Society ceremonies:

6 p.m., April 23: AMS

6 p.m., May 5: ICS

6:30 p.m., May 7: CMS

Dr. Amadei recognized former Chippewa and Central student Angela Dugalic who was selected for the WNBA draft. District 62 is very proud of Ms. Dugalic and wishes her the best!

The district has developed a Full Day Kindergarten webpage highlighting this upcoming initiative that features information about our new program for our youngest learners and a video.

Dr. Amadei recently recorded two podcasts featuring Executive Director of the GENCenter Stephen Samuelson and Director of the Des Plaines Public Library Laurie Papadourakis. These podcasts will be released later this spring.

District 62's 2026 Retirement Celebration is coming up on April 30 at Fountain Blue Banquets. We will celebrate over 20 retirees this year beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Professional learning and grant funds allowed District 62 staff to receive training in affecting school improvement and student achievement, including: curriculum articulation and collaboration among teachers, assessment results analysis and next steps planning based on students’ learning needs, mathematics learning, literacy learning, learning for Multilingual Learners and students with disabilities, improved pedagogical practices, leadership skills, social-emotional learning and much more. Click here to view a copy of the report.

The Board of Education recognized outgoing Board Member Beth Morley for her 11 years of time and dedication to the children of Community Consolidated School District 62.

Dr. Amadei further recognized Member Morley for her over 4,000 days of service to the district.

"It has been an honor," said Morley. "I love this district more than I can explain. You have given my children an education that I still respect to this day."