CCSD15 2022-2023 Retiree Recognition

Community Consolidated School District 15

2022-2023

Retiree Recognition May 10, 2023

Celebration

Education is not the filling of a pail,

but the lighting of a fire.

—William Butler Yeats

A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.

—Author Unknown

Age is only a number, a cipher for the records.

A man can’t retire his experience.

He must use it.

—Bernard Baruch

How lucky I am to have something

that makes saying goodbye so hard.

—A. A. Milne

May 10, 2023 Dear Retiree:

As we approach the end of another school year, what a tremendous range of emotions you must be experiencing as a soon-to-be retiree! I know I am feeling a deep sense of pride and gratitude toward the work you have done on behalf of students and alongside your colleagues in this wonderful district.

On behalf of the Board of Education, members of my Cabinet and me, I wish to extend a sincere congratulations to each of you on your retirement. Your years of service and dedication to District 15 have certainly made a positive impact on so many students, families and colleagues. Whether you have worked directly with students or provided the vital support that enables our schools and teachers to do their jobs effectively, your many contributions did not go unnoticed.

Together, the 41 members of the Class of 2023 have a combined total of 908 years of service! And even more amazing, 24 of you have been with the District for more than 20 years, 9 of you more than 30 years, and 4 of you dedicated more than 35 years to District 15! Although the work is hard, such longevity illustrates what so many members of the staff have always known—people come to District 15 and build a career.

As the school year draws to a close and you begin to dream of how to write your next chapter, I hope you feel nothing but a true sense of accomplishment, knowing that your efforts made an immeasurable difference in a way few careers are ever able to.

Best wishes on whatever pathway retirement finds you. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting … get on your way!”

With a deep sense of gratitude, Laurie Heinz, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Community Consolidated School District 15

Board of Education Recognizes the

2022-2023 Retirees

The following is a list of Community Consolidated School District 15’s 2022-2023 class of retirees, many of whom have chosen to share stories of their careers for this momentous occasion.

and LD resources (both at Binford Elementary in Bloomington, Indiana). From 1997-1998, I was a 4th grade teacher at Pitt Academy for Children with Special Needs in Louisville, Kentucky. From 19992002, I was a classroom teacher for 2/3, 3/4, 4/5 (I moved up with the kids for 3 years) at Coleridge Taylor Elementary in Louisville, Kentucky.

Karen Alderson EL Teacher

Willow Bend & Central Road Elementary Schools

25 Years

Looking back, I have loved working at Lincoln for my entire D15 career. In my experience, the staff and students at Lincoln are supportive and care for each other. My favorite part is seeing the kids grow from Kindergarten to their upper elementary years. It is so rewarding to have a student say to you, “Remember when we ...”, and it yields a fond memory. Lucky me, I have a lot of “remember when” memories to bring a smile to my heart.

I was fortunate to be awarded the Illinois VFW District 19 2019 Teacher of the Year award. For the majority of my years, I taught at Willow Bend and could not have worked with a more dedicated staff. The remarkable education they provide and friendships forged will never be forgotten. I plan to enjoy traveling, reading, volunteering to help veterans and spending time with my husband Tom and our two daughters, Samantha and Robyn.

Barbara Cole Program Assistant

George Bartnicki

Marion Jordan Elementary School

Transportation Department

Barbara joined the District in 2000 and last served as a Program Assistant at Marion Jordan Elementary School.

22 Years

Bus Driver

7 Years George joined the District in 2015 and served as a Bus Driver in the Transportation Department.

Keith Cunniff Head Custodian

Lisa M. Bracker

Joseph M. Kiszka Educational Service Center

Kindergarten and 5th Grade Teacher & Academic Interventionist

26 Years

Lincoln Elementary School

Keith joined the District in 1997 and served as a Head Custodian at the Joseph M. Kiszka Educational Service Center.

21 Years Before my career at CCSD15 began, from 1989-1997 I was involved in selfcontained special education 1

Many memories were made in my 30+ years of teaching in D15. Some of my favorites were our whole school field trips to the Shedd Aquarium and Brookfield Zoo. Or during the millennium when each grade level picked an area to research the differences in the decades. Fifth grade picked the area of Music and Dance through the decades. My class had the 80’s and we performed with costumes and props in front of the whole school to “Ghostbusters,” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” My favorite memory was when we were at a “No Excuses” University school. In my classroom, we were the University of Missouri Tigers.

We were pen pals with the cheerleaders, Truman the Tiger sent us autographed pictures and posters, and we went on a virtual field trip to the campus. We played University of Iowa (retiree Cindy Zeivel’s class) in a football game and it was so much fun rooting for our team! I heard from several students, years later, that they chose to go to the University of Missouri because they learned all about it in 3rd grade.

Cynthia Dolan Office Clerical Assistant Frank C. Whiteley Elementary School

15 Years Cynthia joined the District in 2008 and served as an Office Clerical Assistant at Frank C. Whiteley Elementary School.

Cathy Drollinger Program Assistant

My favorite part about working in D15 was teaching at Whiteley. I was very fortunate to be supported by such an awesome community.

Virginia Lake Elementary School

19 Years

Upon retirement, I look forward to traveling to see my son and daughter in law in St. Louis and my daughter in New York. I am traveling to Europe this summer and going on a Rhine riverboat cruise and cruising the Hawaiian Islands next year. I plan on packing my “schedule” full of fun things I enjoy: reading, spending time with family (husband Dave and children: Matt, Kristin, and Alyssa) and friends, long walks, reorganizing every room in my house, lunch dates with former colleagues, volunteering and more vacations.

Cathy joined the District in 2003 and served as a Program Assistant at Virginia Lake Elementary School.

Toni Ehrhardt

Substitute Teacher; 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Teacher; and Academic Interventionist Frank C. Whiteley Elementary School

Lizzie Falkenberg

32 Years Before my long career at CCSD15, I worked at the following: Sacred Heart School, Melrose Park, Illinois, as a Fifth Grade Teacher from 1985-1989; Rockwood School District, Chesterfield Elementary, Eureka, Missouri, as a Sixth Grade Teacher from 19891990; and last but not least, Uthoff Valley Elementary as a Fifth Grade Teacher from 1990-1991.

Substitute Teacher; Student Teacher; 4th and 6th Grade Teacher; and Academic Interventionist Marion Jordan Elementary School

20 Years I cannot say enough positive things about CCSD15. Our four children received a top 2

notch education at both Virginia Lake and Sundling.

We have so many fond memories of many amazing teachers and school-related events. That was the reason that at age 40 I chose to go back to school and obtain my education certificate and master’s degree. I wanted to work for D15. I was thrilled to be a student teacher, AND teach at Marion Jordan. Working for this district has been the absolute best! Marion Jordan is my second family. The staff there has been with me as we raised all our kids—they know it all—the good and the not so good! I will miss them dearly. The relationships that I have made with students and their families will be cherished as well. There is nothing like the feeling that comes when you run into or hear from a former student—that is the reason that this profession is the absolute best! I will always be grateful for the 20 plus years that our family has had in district 15. I was also part of the PTA for Virginia Lake for 10 years and the PTA for Sundling for 4 years and held all positions, including President and loved every minute of it! I was even the CCSD15 “Volunteer of the Month” for PTA at Virginia Lake.

Shari Labinger Fox 6th Grade Teacher Jane Addams Elementary School

30 Years

Upon retirement I plan on working for my husband, Charlie, as a legal assistant and spending more time with my four successful children Brian, Meghan, Will and Shannon.

Before coming to CCSD15, I taught and was the director at the Oakton Community College preschool program for 4.5 years. I started teaching in District 15 in the Early Childhood Special Ed program at Jane Addams School. After 2 years I moved to a 5/6 multi-age position still at Jane Addams. Finally, I taught 6th grade at Jane Addams for over 20 years. I love the kids, families, and staff at Jane Addams and will miss them tremendously. I loved so many things about working at Jane Addams in District 15! The life long friends that I’ve made are priceless! There are so many great memories from camp, field trips, staff outings, and just day-to-day activities. I feel truly blessed to have loved my career! Upon retirement, my husband Adam and I plan to move to Florida where my parents live.

Meegan Filosa

Mary Ellen Voigt Gearhart

Plum Grove Junior High School

Jane Addams Elementary School

8th Grade History Teacher

5th Grade Teacher

28 Years

32 Years

Before my career at CCSD15, I taught 1 year at Schaumburg High School and 6 years at Belzer Middle School in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was a National Board Certified Teacher in 2004 and 2014.

In retirement I plan to golf, spend time with family (Husband Phil, two wonderful children Katie and Spencer (and his loving wife Michala)) and friends, and travel as much as possible.

Before my career at CCSD15, I was a teacher in Worthington, Ohio for 5 years. I’ve worked at Jane Addams School my entire time in D15. I started in 4th then moved to 5th/6th multi-age. Then back to 5th, which is still my favorite! People always ask me why I stayed there for so long. For me, it was an easy question to answer—because I have always loved working there! The families, students, staff, administration—just all made my experience there such a remarkable one. I learned so much from 3

my colleagues, families, admin, and of course, the students. I am so grateful! My favorite memories have been made with all the amazing students and colleagues over the years because of their support, passion, and curiosity. Some of my favorite memories include taking the kids to overnight camp for 3 nights, Wacky Wednesday enrichment program, and our talent shows! Such fun!

Marcella Hanlon Reading Consultant Specialist & Special Education Teacher

Carl Sandburg Junior High School

16 Years

It was always important to me to celebrate our successes while also growing from our mistakes. I always wanted to motivate kids to be better versions of themselves, all while teaching them to embrace life-long learning. Helping students find their passions and strengths has brought me tremendous joy over the years. Students who come back to visit years later to tell me I taught them the value of education makes me so proud. I have learned as much from them as they did from me! Teaching has inspired me throughout the years to always try to make a positive impact on others. I can securely leave the profession knowing that I did! Upon retirement, I am looking forward to spending time exploring other passions I may have and spending time with my children: Colleen, Hannah and Jeremy.

Marcella joined District 15 in 2007 and served as a Reading Consultant Specialist and Special Education Teacher at Carl Sandburg Junior High School.

Holly I ppolito Program Assistant

Willow Bend Elementary School

16 Years Holly joined the District in 2007 and served as a Program Assistant at Willow Bend Elementary School.

Susan Graves Program Assistant

Judith Jahnke

Plum Grove Junior High School

15 Years

Comprehensive Music Teacher Thomas Jefferson & Marion Jordan Elementary Schools

Susan joined the District in 2007 and served as a Program Assistant at Plum Grove Junior High School.

35 Years Prior to joining District 15 as a teacher, Judith student taught at Plum Grove Junior High before being hired in 1988 and served as a Comprehensive Music Teacher at Thomas Jefferson and Marion Jordan Elementary Schools. She also served as a virtual teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21.

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Lisa Jauch

Beth Krueger

Lake Louise Elementary School

Plum Grove Junior High School

34 Years

25 Years

Before my career at CCSD15, I taught at Winston Churchill Elementary my first year.

I spent the next 33 years at Lake Louise teaching all of the primary grades as well as being the LRC teacher. I have my National Board Certification in Early Childhood. I met my husband Kevin when we were both teachers at Lake Louise. We have now been married 30 years. Our children, Jeff (27) and Chase (25), both attended Thomas Jefferson and Carl Sandburg. I look forward to traveling the world at non-peak times and spending more time in Door County.

Before my career in CCSD15, I taught 8.5 years in District 84 in Franklin Park, Illinois.

I have also been involved in IAHPERD (Illinois Association for Health, PE, Rec & Dance) for 36 years. I have made lifelong friendships at Plum Grove Jr. High and look forward to finding new passions in life upon retirement!

8th Grade Physical Education Teacher

2nd Grade Teacher

Jeanne Marino Library Information Teacher Central Road Elementary School

Lisa Kreiss

25 Years

Human Resources Executive Assistant

Prior to my career at CCSD15, I taught 1st grade at St. Thomas School in Crystal Lake, IL, and 3rd grade at St. Anne’s School in Barrington, IL. I am also part of the American Association of School Librarians, am National Board Certified and received the “Those Who Excel Award” in 2012.

Joseph M. Kiszka Educational Service Center

13 Years Lisa joined District 15 in 2007 and last served as an Executive Assistant for the Human Resources Department in the Educational Service Center.

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I think one of my favorite memories at CCSD15 was of a student in fifth grade coming to check out a book. I asked her how she was doing and she said she was so excited because tonight her whole family was going out to dinner to celebrate her sister. She mentioned that her family never gets to go out to dinner together because both of her parents worked two jobs, “but tonight is a special night because my sister got into college! She got into Harper and we are all super excited and proud of her! I am going to go to college someday too!” She had tears in her eyes. Being a school librarian allowed me to really engage with all the kids a lot.

I can’t wait to spend quality time upon retirement with my husband (of 35 years) Jack Marino. I also plan on creating a YouTube channel based on the storybook characters “living” in my Library Dollhouse. I also hope to volunteer for Journeys from Pads to Hope to support the needs of our area’s homeless. Lastly, I can’t wait to enjoy gardening, traveling and enjoying fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast of England.

David Nunes Program Assistant

Jane Addams, Marion Jordan, Hunting Ridge, and Willow Bend Elementary Schools; Plum Grove and Walter R. Sundling Junior High Schools

24 Years

Judy Martinez

Before my career began at CCSD15, I was a Special Events Coordinator. My favorite memory from working in the District was my Veteran’s Day Presentation to the staff and students of Willow Bend Elementary on November 11, 2015.

School Secretary

Winston Campus Elementary School

28 Years Judy joined the District in 1994 and last served as a School Secretary at Winston Campus Elementary School.

Maureen O ’Brien

Sheila Moody

Mathematics Teacher

Program Assistant

Plum Grove Junior High School

Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

35 Years

21 Years

Plum Grove Junior High was my very first job interview and has been my only school in which I have taught.

I guess you could say that for the past 35 years I have been a “jack of all trades.” I started in August 1988 teaching Math, Reading, and English. Throughout the years I have taught History and was also the Guidance Counselor for 7 years. I am finishing my career teaching all levels of 8th grade math. I have also enjoyed sponsoring a variety of clubs and activities as well as coaching numerous sports, including 30 years as the volleyball coach.

Sheila joined the District in 2002 and last served as a Program Assistant at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.

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I have really enjoyed my years of teaching in District 15. I will treasure the lifelong friendships with colleagues and students that I have made throughout the years. Not sure what the future plans look like right now, but I do know it will include lots of relaxing, reading good books, and traveling.

Doreen Peight

Jerry Petitti

Kimball Hill Elementary School

Transportation Department & Nutrition Services

27 Years

14 Years

Before my long career at CCSD15, I was a Special Education Teacher in Franklin Park, Illinois, and Louisville, Kentucky. My favorite part about working for District 15 was making connections with the children, families, Kimball Hill teachers, and staff. Upon retirement, I am looking forward to spending more time with my husband, sons, and two grandchildren, and traveling more.

Before I began my career at CCSD15, I was a 1st cook for a food manufacturer that made everything for bakeries for 25 years. The best part about CCSD15 was meeting new people and finding new friends. I plan to relax, golf, travel, and enjoy time with my family and three daughters: Samantha, Nicole, and Sophia.

Bus Driver & Nutritional Services Warehouse Delivery Assistant

Special Education Resource Teacher & 4th Grade Teacher

Dawn P isarski

Math & Physical Education Teacher

Suzette M. Pereyra, M.Ed.

Plum Grove Junior High School

1st-4th Grade Bilingual Teacher

35 Years

Virginia Lake & Stuart R. Paddock Elementary Schools

I feel extremely fortunate to have met some GREAT people over the years. I have been at Plum Grove my entire career, so Plum Grove definitely feels like HOME.

35 Years Prior to my career at CCSD15, I spent 3 years at Houston Independent School District as a 1st-3rd grade bilingual teacher. I am also part of the Illinois Reading Association, Suburban Council of IL Reading Association, and have a Diploma in Spanish as Foreign Language from the Embassy of Spain.

I have been married to my husband Tim for 32 years.

I have three children: Lauren, Jason, and Timmy. I am extremely proud of my children and look forward to spending more time with all of my family, vacationing when I want to, and learning to play golf.

My favorite part of working for District 15 is teaching the students and watching them grow academically.

I also enjoy it when they come back to visit me from junior high, high school, or college. During retirement, I plan on working as a half-time bilingual reading specialist and spending time with my two daughters.

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member at large and President at Rolling Meadows Rotary Club, a Den Leader with the Boy Scouts of America, and a volunteer at Algonquin Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry.

Lori Randall 2nd Grade Teacher

As principal at Willow Bend, I loved the diverse and collaborative community and serving their needs with a fantastic building staff. While teaching 3rd grade at Lake Louise, the teachers there were some of the hardest working people I have known in education.

Transferring to Pleasant Hill gave me the most supportive environment for working through COVID, as things are truly “Pleasant” at the “Hill.”

Virginia Lake Elementary School

33 Years My favorite part of District 15 has been the amazing people and families that I have been able to work with over the years. Upon retirement, I plan to spend time with my two married children, two grandchildren, and spend time traveling with my husband.

I’m looking forward to traveling with my family (husband Wayne of 32 years), as we already have our next big cruise planned. Besides that I will spend time with my three children: Natalie (Austin), Brandon (Karigan), and Garrett. We will become grandparents in June 2023.

Rick E. Renfro

Laurel Saflarski

Special Education Teacher

John G. Conyers Learning Academy

Program Assistant

28 Years

Carl Sandburg Junior High School

21 Years

Rick joined District 15 in 1995 and served as a Special Education Teacher at John G. Conyers Learning Academy.

Laurel joined the District in 2001 and last served as a Program Assistant at Carl Sandburg Junior High School.

Barbie Rothbauer

Pamela Sieben

Principal, 3rd & 4th Grade Teacher Willow Bend, Lake Louise, and Pleasant Hill Elementary Schools

Program Assistant

Willow Bend Elementary School

14 Years

25 Years

Before joining the CCSD15 team, I taught 5th, 4th, 1st, and 2nd grades, and was a Wing Leader and then an Assistant Principal in Huntley D158. I also am a

Pamela joined the District in 1998 and last served as a Program Assistant at Willow Bend Elementary School.

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Kim Skarstein

Heather T hornton

Student Services & Educational Services Secretary

Program Assistant Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

Joseph M. Kiszka Educational Service Center

18 Years

10 Years

Heather joined District 15 in 2005 and served as a Program Assistant at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

Kim joined the District in 2013 and served as a Secretary in the Student Services and Educational Services Departments.

I will miss working and meeting with many wonderful people!

Lisa Tofano

Bilingual Program Assistant Virginia Lake Elementary School

Joseph Stanley

13 Years

Warehouse Worker Nutrition Services

I loved helping students improve their reading skills, watching them gain confidence, and encouraging them along the way.

15 Years Joseph joined the District in 2007 and served as a Warehouse Worker in the Nutritional Services Department.

Upon retirement, I look forward to spending time with family, hiking, gardening, and reading.

Michelle Streny

Andrea Wegner

Pleasant Hill Elementary School

Stuart R. Paddock Elementary School

17 Years

23 Years

Michelle joined District 15 in 2006 and served as a Program Assistant at Pleasant Hill Elementary School.

Andrea joined District 15 in 1996 and served as a Speech/Language Pathologist at Stuart R. Paddock Elementary School.

Speech/Language Pathologist

Program Assistant

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Laurie Weiner Program Assistant

Willow Bend Elementary School

4 Years Laurie joined the District in 2018 and served as a Program Assistant at Willow Bend Elementary School.

Annette Yalamanchili Bus Driver

Transportation Department

12 Years Annette joined the District in 2010 and served as a Bus Driver in the Transportation Department.

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our years of commitment and dedication to your profession and to District 15 have made a tremendous difference in this community and in the lives of thousands of young people you have served.

T hank you, and best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement!

Community Consolidated School District 15 Board of Education Lisa Beth Szczupaj, President

Frank J. Annerino, Vice President Samantha Bray Ader, Secretary Wenda Hunt Zubair Khan James Taylor Anthony Wang

Superintendent of Schools Laurie Heinz, Ed.D.