May 18, 2026 Board Briefs
News from the District 62 Board of Education
Erfan Memon was appointed to the Board of Education for a one-year term at the May 18 meeting.
Memon is a resident of Des Plaines and a parent of three small children. He is an active member of the community and has a strong interest in supporting student success, academic excellence, and inclusive educational opportunities for all learners.
“Public education changed the course of my life,” said Memon. “I’m committed to doing everything I can to ensure every student in this district receives the very best we can offer .”
Memon is a graduate of the Chicago Public Schools and DePaul University. He began his career in education, working with diverse student populations through teaching and the development of after-school programs across the United States. He later transitioned into the field of information technology, where he now brings more than 12 years of experience in enterprise systems administration, specializing in SAP environments. His work has focused on implementing secure, scalable systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and supporting critical business operations across both on-premise and cloud platforms.
“I look forward to welcoming Mr. Memon as he begins his one-year term to the Board of Education,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Amadei. “Mr. Memon is a parent in our district as well as an active and involved member of our community. Board members volunteer their time and I extend my gratitude to Mr. Memon for giving his time on behalf of the students we serve in District 62. “
Said Memon, “I am grateful to the Board for this opportunity and look forward to serving the students, families, and communities of Des Plaines and Rosemont with dedication and integrity.”
Central Elementary School Assistant Principal
Shannon Oklepek was named the Central Elementary School assistant principal at the May 18 Board of Education meeting.
This position is new to Central Elementary School, created to support the needs of the school’s growing student population.
With 22 years of experience as a school psychologist, including more than 14 years in District 62, Oklepek has had the privilege of serving several elementary schools, including Central, Iroquois Community School, Cumberland, and most recently, Terrace. Throughout her career, Oklepek has developed strong relationships and gained extensive experience in multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), special education, instructional and inclusive practices, and collaborative problem-solving to support the diverse needs of students. In her role, she has led and supported initiatives focused on academic and behavioral supports, social-emotional learning, best practices in special education, instructional interventions and data-based decision making.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Central community in this new role,” said Oklepek. “I am passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments, supporting staff development, and ensuring all students have access to meaningful opportunities for success.”
