March 16, 2026 Board Briefs

The Community Consolidated School District 62 Board of Education meeting was held on March 16, 2026. The full meeting agenda can be found on BoardDocs, while a livestream of the meeting can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

The Board of Education meeting began by celebrating the following employees for 25 years of service to Community Consolidated School District 62:

• Elizabeth Budzik (Cumberland Elementary School)
• Jana Coyne (Westerhold Early Learning Center)
• Eileen Finnander (Forest Elementary School)
• Margaret Garlewicz (Algonquin Middle School)
• Laura Gierszewicz (Cumberland Elementary School)
• Kristin Gottschalk (Iroquois Community School)
• Marise Goveia (Iroquois Community School)
• Kristin Herigodt-Miazga (Chippewa Middle School)

• Tonie Leon (Westerhold Early Learning Center)

• Adriana Louis (Plainfield Elementary School)

• David Lynch (South Elementary School)

• Agata Malec (Iroquois Community School)

• Jill McAvoy (Chippewa Middle School)

• Jeannie Pantelin (Cumberland Elementary School)

• Arwa Rayahin (Algonquin Middle School)

• Julie Rubey (Cumberland Elementary School)

• Jennifer Sharko (Terrace Elementary School)

• Jaime Sloan (Central Elementary School)

• Gloria Suriano (Orchard Place Elementary School)

• Jelena Todorovich (Cumberland Elementary School)

• Shelly Willmann (Algonquin Middle School)

• Stephanie Wubbena (Plainfield Elementary School)

Principal Amber Soike and Assistant Principal Traci Reiner shared an update on behalf of Forest Elementary School. In addition, Principal Kristin Jares shared an update on behalf of South Elementary School. Both presentations focused on all five goals of the District 62 Strategic Plan. A copy of the Forest presentation can be accessed here and a copy of the South presentation can be accessed here.

The Board of Education approved a resolution that affirms the district's commitment to providing a safe, equitable, and non-discriminatory learning environment for all students and their families, regardless of immigration status. A copy of the resolution can be accessed here.

Lisa Butera was named the Algonquin Middle School assistant principal at the March 16 Board of Education meeting.

With 24 years of dedicated service to District 62, Butera’s career spans a diverse range of instructional and specialist roles. She began her tenure teaching English Language Arts and Math at both Chippewa and Algonquin Middle Schools before transitioning to Terrace, where she served as a second-grade teacher and math interventionist. In between that experience, Butera also served as a district Behavior Specialist. Most recently, she returned to Algonquin as a Student Services Interventionist—leveraging her previous experiences to support student growth through restorative practices.

"Having spent 24 years in District 62, my journey has come full circle. From teaching ELA and Math at Chippewa and Algonquin to my current work with restorative practices and supporting student behavior,” said Butera. “My focus has always remained the same: meeting students exactly where they are and giving them the tools to succeed both academically and emotionally."

Board Member Beth Morley thanked everyone who participated in the District 62 Education Foundation Trivia Night. In addition, Member Morley announced her resignation from the Board of Education effective May 15, 2026. This was a difficult decision made under extenuating circumstances. She thanked everyone who has supported her throughout her tenure. Member Morley has been serving on a board of some nature for the last 27 years.

President Massa shared that with Member Morley's announcement the process will begin to interview and select a new Board of Education member. Applications will be due on April 17 with interviews taking place on April 20 before the Board meeting. President Massa added that she attended the North Cook Division meeting that centered around education funding.

Member Garrett shared that she will be attending the Illinois Association of School Board's (IASB) Advocacy Day in Springfield on March 24th

Member Burton thanked everyone who participated in the Des Plaines Youth Commission Fun Fair event.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Amadei echoed Member Burton's comments regarding the Des Plaines Youth Commission's Fun Fair and thanked those administrators who supported the event. The District 62 Foundation Trivia Night was also great fun.

The Board will be transitioning from Board Docs to Diligent, a new platform that will house agendas, meeting minutes and policies. This formal transition will take place in April.

The Des Plaines Park District and District 62 IGA that shares facilities will expire soon. The new IGA will be provided to the Board for review for an April reading and May vote for approval.

Several D62 schools will be polling places, resulting in the district having a non-attendance day for students.

The 2026 Retirement Celebration is on April 30.

Dr. Amadei invited Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Mark Bertolozzi to provide some updates regarding construction. Iroquois Community School is wrapping up with final completion occurring after spring break. Central School continues to progress and is on schedule. We are waiting for approval from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for North Elementary School. This is a process that has taken time but we are hopeful that we will get final approval very soon. At this point, it is doubtful that North construction will be completed by August. Unfortunately weather, resources and permits are all factors that have played into the delay at North. The district is developing contingency plans so we can welcome full day kindergarten this fall.

Dr. Amadei also acknowledged the technology team for ensuring that IAR testing is running smoothly.