Annette Bravos joined the district in 2000, and last served as a special education resource teacher at Jane Addams Elementary School.
Lissete Cabrera
Bilingual Spanish Teacher
Willow Bend Elementary School
31 Years of Service
Lissete Cabrera began her career in District 15 in 1994, bringing dedication, warmth, and advocacy to every classroom she served. Over the years, she has taught students in both bilingual and mainstream classrooms, ranging from second through sixth grade. Most recently, she has supported fourth grade students in a bilingual capacity. Prior to her teaching career, Lissete worked in marketing and annuity pricing for over six years, eventually finding her passion in education. A proud mother of two adult children, Brittney and Brenden, Lissete leaves behind a legacy of care and excellence at Willow Bend. Her decades of service reflect her commitment to language equity and academic success, and she will be greatly missed by students, families, and staff alike.
Luz Cardenas
ESL/Bilingual Resource
Hunting Ridge Elementary School
29 Years of Service
Luz Cardenas began her impactful career with District 15 in 1996, serving in various roles across Pleasant Hill, Kimball Hill, Winston Campus, and Thomas Jefferson. Throughout her nearly three decades of service, she supported students from all grade levels in bilingual and ESL settings, always championing their growth and success. With a background that includes teaching in Chicago Public Schools and higher education roles at institutions like Harper College and the University of Illinois at Chicago, Luz brought a wealth of experience and heart to the classroom. As she transitions into retirement, she looks forward to traveling, enjoying her hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones both locally and abroad.
Amelia Cerda
Bilingual Resource Teacher
Lincoln Elementary School
25 Years of Service
Amelia Cerda began her journey in District 15 in 2000, teaching bilingual first and second grade at Kimball Hill before moving to Lake Louise, where she taught second grade and multi-age classes. Since 2017, she has served as a bilingual resource teacher at Lincoln. Her career spans multiple states and grade levels, from first through sixth grade, bringing a wealth of experience to every classroom she entered. As she looks ahead, Amelia is excited to devote more time to her faith community, volunteer with adults with special needs, travel, read, and savor quality moments with family. She’s ready for this next chapter with joy and gratitude.
Sharon Chuboff
Production Manager
Nutrition Services, Central Kitchen
13 Years of Service
Sharon Chuboff joined District 15 in April 2012 as a Production Manager in Nutrition Services. A licensed hairdresser by trade, Sharon brought a creative spirit and strong attention to detail into her work coordinating food preparation and organizing district catering events. Married for 40 years and a proud mom of two adult children (and four beloved dogs), Sharon is most looking forward to becoming a grandmother in this next chapter of life.
JoElle Cooper
Bilingual Teacher
Carl Sandburg Middle School
33 Years of Service
JoElle Cooper began her journey in District 15 in 1992, teaching sixth-grade bilingual students at Virginia Lake before moving to Carl Sandburg Middle School, where she has taught seventh and eighth-grade bilingual students ever since. Her career in education began even earlier, including summers as a PE assistant and as a bilingual teacher in the Migrant Summer School Program. JoElle’s impact goes far beyond the classroom—she has led Latino Family Literacy Nights, launched the Wildcat Warehouse, and sponsored both the Dance Club and the Student Leadership & Service Club. She looks forward to continuing her volunteer work with Exodus World Service, spending more time with loved ones, traveling, and enjoying new hobbies. JoElle says it has been a privilege to work and learn alongside so many dedicated colleagues and inspiring students in District 15.
Jim Dano
Grade
4 Teacher
Pleasant Hill Elementary School
29 Years of Service
Jim Dano began his District 15 journey in 1996, first supporting students as a oneon-one program assistant at Jane Addams Elementary School before stepping into the classroom full time. Since 1997, he has been a dedicated fourth-grade teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary, bringing energy, creativity, and care to every lesson. Prior to education, Jim worked in business management and insurance, holding degrees in Business Management and Marketing. His passion for teaching stemmed from a desire to make a lasting impact—and that he did. Outside the classroom, Jim enjoys biking, hiking, and using his handyman skills to help others. He looks forward to traveling and spending more time with his wife, Mary, and their twin sons, Roarke and Graham. Jim’s legacy is one of positive relationships and meaningful impact on students and families alike.
Kathy Davie Program Assistant
Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School
24 Years of Service
Kathy Davie began her career with District 15 in 2001 as a substitute teacher and transitioned to a Program Assistant at Gray M. Sanborn in 2019 after over a decade of consistent substitute work at the school. Known for her warmth and dedication, Kathy has loved supporting students and working alongside the amazing GMS staff. In retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with her family, traveling with her husband, and welcoming her first grandchild in June.
Gail King
Special Education Program Assistant
Carl Sandburg Middle School
24 Years of Service
Gail King began her career with District 15 in 2001. Over the years, she held a variety of roles, beginning in food service and later serving as a Program Assistant at Kimball Hill, Conyers Learning Academy, and ultimately Carl Sandburg. Gail is known for her positivity, dedication, and the meaningful relationships she built with staff and students alike. Her favorite memories are rooted in the camaraderie she shared with her colleagues, whom she describes as truly amazing. In retirement, Gail looks forward to enjoying time with her husband Steve, daughter Kate, son-in-law Corey, and granddaughter Nora.
Dr. Claire Kowalczyk
Administrator on Special Assignment
Joseph M. Kiszka Educational Service Center
17 Years of Service
Dr. Claire Kowalczyk began her career in District 15 in 1997 as an early childhood and general education teacher before serving as Assistant Principal at Kimball Hill. After time away serving as a principal in another district, she returned in 2019 as Deputy Superintendent and now concludes her career as an Administrator on Special Assignment. Claire is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds a Professional Human Capital Leadership certification. A longtime Palatine resident, she and her husband of 38 years have five children and four grandchildren. Claire looks forward to traveling and spending time with her family. She will miss the incredible people of District 15 and is proud to have both started and ended her career in such a special community.
Jacqueline Renee Kravitz
4th Grade Teacher
Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School
32 Years of Service
Jacqueline Kravitz has dedicated her entire 32-year teaching career to Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School, where she taught a wide range of grade levels and roles—from fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, and multi-age classrooms, to serving as a Library Resource Teacher and Kindergarten teacher. Jackie began her career in marketing before following her heart into education, earning her MAT from National Louis University. Sanborn became more than a workplace—it became her second home. She got engaged, married, had children, and celebrated life’s biggest milestones while teaching at Sanborn, turning 30, 40, 50, and 60 all within its walls. Jackie and her husband Scott have two children, Joshua and Sarah, and a beloved shih-poo named Scarlet Begonia. She looks forward to a new chapter filled with joy and balance. As she steps into retirement, Jackie takes with her cherished memories of supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally—and the deep relationships she formed with staff, students, families, and her community. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger!
Michael Lind Bus Driver
Transportation Services 1 Year
Michael Kim joined the district in September 2024, and last served as a bus driver in the Transportation Department.
