DeKalb CUSD 428 Annual Report 2023

DeKalb Community Unit School District 428

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023

School, Community, Family... a partnership for education

Cover photo: Osvaldo Hernandez, Class of 2023

WELCOME TO DISTRICT 428 SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE

BOARD PRESIDENT MESSAGE

DEAR DEKALB 428 COMMUNITY,

DEAR COMMUNITY MEMBERS,

I am excited to have entered my third year and continue serving School District 428. I am both amazed and humbled by the collective work we have achieved together, alongside our teachers, assistants, student support services, and all of our staff, to bring forth such wonderful opportunities for our students. Just a few highlights include:

As elected officials of the DeKalb Community School District 428, we thank you for entrusting us to advocate for you and your children. We understand the impact of our decisions and how they directly affect you, the community at large, and the academic future of our students. Given the ever-changing needs of our District, the changes in education, and the needs of our children, we want you to know that we are committed to continuing to work with our stakeholders, including our dedicated superintendent, directors, administrators, staff, students, families, and community members, to provide the best educational experience possible. Working alongside each of you is our privilege to help improve our schools. In light of this, we have publicly pledged to continue to work collectively to provide an equitable and inclusive education that supports students holistically. We take great pride in working together to help our students reach their fullest potential.

• Approval for a new three-section elementary school in the north corridor of DeKalb • Worked to successfully ratify a four-year agreement with DCTA to honor our teachers • High-quality professional development for our school leaders • Additional supports for our students behavioral health needs • Celebrating our students and staff for their notable achievements Our strategic plan is a part of our daily lives and continues to guide us in our collective work to advance the District. We are well on our way to the work we have committed to for the next three years. Although the strategic plan will always be a five-year plan, it grows as we go. I continue to be committed to ensuring a supportive and holistic approach to our students’ needs and lead within our District and beyond to bring additional resources and support to our schools.

I want to thank every single member of the DeKalb CUSD 428 staff, as without their outstanding work and diligence, progress is not possible. Our buildings and grounds crews, our maintenance teams, our cafeteria staff, our tech team, our health and well-being staff, our office personnel, our assistants, and our teachers, as well as our central office staff – I cannot say ‘Thank you’ enough. Think about the enormity of the task at hand to prepare our children to be happy, healthy, productive members of society who are ready to lead their generation, while preparing the next, through the complexities of our world. Our employees are dedicated individuals who care deeply about our District, and I appreciate their invaluable contributions to our students.

And, as I said last year, and I will always express ‘Thank you’ to the parents, guardians, caregivers, and community members for doing your diligence in raising the future. We work together to make tomorrow happen. When we do, no one fails. Let’s continue working together to build DeKalb CUSD 428 into the place where everyone wants to be!

In recent years, we have witnessed a historic investment in public education, and we are grateful to our elected legislators for demonstrating their commitment to public education. This investment and our finance administrators’ tremendous financial management have allowed us to approve many new initiatives that will help us enhance our services. As we move forward with implementing new initiatives that support our strategic plan and as we continue to assess our practices, we understand that we will continue to find areas that show promise and opportunities for growth.

District 428 is dedicated to values that govern our work to remain fiscally responsible. These principles shape our initiatives, program development, and support systems. They direct instruction, curriculum, and assessment so that all students reach high levels of achievement. Our values guide our vision of creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community for everyone. In meeting these objectives, we believe that building an effective school culture stems from a positive partnership between the schools and the community. Our Board of Education can best represent D428 students, families, and community members if they actively support our mission, participate in committees, share feedback, and ask questions. To that end, we encourage you to attend board meetings or email us at board@d428.org with your questions, concerns, and feedback.

As I continue this role as the President of the Board, I want to thank our board members for their significant contributions and diligent work. I also want to thank our superintendent, directors, administrators, and staff for their many contributions and achievements on behalf of our students. Thanks again for your continuous work and support. It truly takes a village to achieve the success of our students and district.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

MINERVA GARCIA-SANCHEZ, ED.D. Superintendent

DEYCI M. RAMIREZ, M.S.ED. President of the Board of Education

Mission Statement: To provide an equitable and inclusive education that supports students holistically, providing the tools they need to thrive by partnering with families and supporting staff to meet the needs of each of our students.

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Board of Education

DEYCI RAMIREZ Board President

STEVE BYERS Board Vice President

STRATEGIC PLAN & CORE VALUES DeKalb CUSD 428 is committed to values that govern and allocate resources with a student focus. These principles shape our aims, program development, and support systems. They direct instruction, curriculum, and assessment to positively impact students’ lives, helping each student achieve their full potential.

• Centering Students • Academic Excellence • Unity and Collaboration • Engaging Families and Community • Equitable and Inclusive Learning Environments

ARIEL OWENS Secretary

Strategic Priority One - Student Achievement • Instructional Practices • Learning Environment • Equitable Access for all Children • Robust Programming and Options Strategic Priority Two - Community Engagement and Marketing • Family and Community Engagement • Communications • Marketing

CHRISTOPHER BOYES

VANTA BYNUM

AMANDA HARNES

ANDRE POWELL

Strategic Priority Three - Financial Stability with an Equity Lens • Effective Use of Finances • Maximizing Grants • Fiscal Stability • Increased Access for All Strategic Priority Four - Human Capital • Recruitment • Development • Retainment

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PRIORITY ONE

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Robust Programming and Options

Enriching Education with Bilingualism and Biliteracy

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pportunity continues to grow for children from across the District to participate in the Two Way Dual Language Program (TWDL). The program started with kindergarten in the fall of 2020, and now, those initial students lead the way as the program rolls up a grade level each year. More than 340 students were enrolled in TWDL in the fall of 2022. By the fall of 2025, the District expects more than 550 kindergarten through fifth-grade students to participate in the program.

1.2% Asian 0.3% American Indian

The goals of the TWDL program include promoting biliteracy (the ability to read and write proficiently in two languages), bilingualism (the ability to speak and understand two languages), and cross-cultural competence, which helps students navigate and appreciate different cultures. It doesn’t take long to find an abundance of research studies and articles that explain the many benefits of being

35.7% White 29.3% Hispanic

TWDL is designed to support students from both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking households in developing bilingualism and biliteracy.

Approximately half of the participants in the program were from Spanish-speaking households, and the other half were from English-speaking households.

Through a diverse curriculum that reflects students’ diversity, TWDL provides robust educational experiences through inquiry-based learning that utilizes various teaching methods for groups and individuals; and through different mediums such as technology, hands-on, print, songs, movement, visual, and oral language development. The program emphasizes the importance of oral language development in learning experiences and promotes meaningful contexts for learning to help students make deep connections throughout their day.

o 6.3% tw e r o m or

27.1% Black

Student Demographics *2022 Illinois School Report Card

bilingual, such as higher cognitive abilities, better understanding of math concepts and solving word problems, and, as we age, less cognitive decline.

With more than 1,050 English learners enrolled throughout the District, and most coming from Spanish-speaking households, TWDL, along with providing additional multilingual learning opportunities, ensures the District is preparing students for success in a global society.

SEAL OF BILITERACY is an award given by the District in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. Students receiving the awards include students who grew up in multilingual households and those who took world language courses.

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The Power of

Play and Problem-Solving T wo new instructional frameworks, Play Based Learning and Project Lead the Way, are making their way into elementary classrooms that will target interactive learning and modernize instruction.

PLAY-BASED LEARNING Throughout the school year, the Teaching and Learning Department, which leads program adoptions, worked to design a new framework to guide purposeful play in classrooms. Billy Hueramo, director of teaching and learning - elementary, noted that after coming out of the COVID-19 restrictions, not only was learning loss evident in our youngest students but so was a lack of social-emotional skills that affected behavior in classrooms. “It was increasingly evident that we needed to quickly adapt our teaching methods to address students’ ability to relate with their peers to learn compromise and problem-solving while ensuring that they continued to progress toward academic learning goals,” said Hueramo. Having learned more about the benefits and success of Play-Based Learning (PBL) at a KIDS Summit conference in the fall of 2022, Hueramo brought the idea back to the District and the elementary curriculum team immediately went to work.

The goal was to implement PBL in kindergarten through second grade by the start of the 2023 school year. An intensive

Project

Lead the Way

The District is excited to be working on introducing Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a problem-based science and engineering curriculum in the fall of 2024. Considered a leader in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, PLTW uses activity, project, and problembased (APB) instructional design to incorporate STEM into an engaging curriculum. The new curriculum will be implemented first at Brooks and Lincoln elementary schools in grades three through five. This coordinates with the progression from play-based learning for grades kindergarten through second.

process began, including consultation with experts, literature review, teacher pilots, and professional development for teachers, specialists, and administrators.

Two classrooms were early adopters of the program in the spring. They worked closely with curriculum managers to assess the effectiveness of the new teaching model in reaching their defined goals. Teachers were encouraged by the outcomes and noted a marked improvement in students ability to work more collaboratively while also improving on academic lessons.

“Literacy, science, social studies, and social-emotional concepts are developed as students do what comes naturally to them - play,” said Elementary Humanities Curriculum Manager Jill Springer. “We believe that our PBL program will provide students with a deeper understanding of literacy, social studies, science, and social-emotional concepts like sharing and collaborative problem-solving. Guided play with embedded strategic learning goals offers children multiple paths to rich learning.”

Beginning in the fall of 2023, students will simultaneously play and learn daily for 90 minutes in six different centers: construction, dramatic play, discovery, word study, library, and writing. “The content that students have always learned will remain.

Only our delivery system will change,” added Springer.

Elementary STEAM Curriculum Manager Sarah Schaefer is excited about what PLTW will offer students. “This is a STEM curriculum that supersedes educational barriers and allows all students to be part of learning in the classroom,” said Schaefer. The curriculum is powerful because it taps into students’ natural curiosity while building foundational skills to discover more about what they can achieve. APB centers on handson, real-world activities, projects, and problems that help students understand how the knowledge and skills they develop in the classroom may be applied in everyday life,” said Schaefer.

Students will engage in learning through teamwork and collaboration

to find multiple solutions to problems.

Teachers undergo 16 hours of training in order to be certified to teach PLTW. The costs for integrating PLTW are grantfunded through the Project Lead the Way organization and META. (see pg.

10). As part of D428’s strategic priorities, mission, and vision, a commitment has been made to reverse the STEAM stigma within our community through a focus on exemplary STEAM programs, instruction, and learning opportunities for our students. The addition of PLTW sets DeKalb CUSD apart from districts in our area and we look forward to positive, measurable outcomes for our students.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PRIORITY TWO & MARKETING

Family and Community Engagement

Focus on Mental Health

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he District is committed to supporting the mental health of our children as an essential component of their overall educational experience and success.

Removing barriers and increasing access to services to assist students, whether during the school day or after it ends, is critical to better outcomes for our youth.

Encouraging Conversations

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he Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) office kicked off the first Community Conversations event in September 2022 at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb. Intended to provide an intentional means for families and community members to come together to discuss a wide range of topics, Community Conversations aims to do more than foster conversations. “Several surveys, along with first-hand experience, told us that we needed to find more ways to engage directly with our community,” said Amonaquenette Parker, director of DEI. This was the impetus for creating this new opportunity to share and receive information.

Parker stresses the importance of having discussions, listening to ideas, and sharing concerns in a welcoming and inclusive

environment. “More than just another meeting, Community Conversations are opportunities to break bread together and truly get to know our neighbors better,” added Parker. Each familyfriendly event features a social hour with a light dinner, followed by an hour dedicated to a particular topic and time for any questions attendees may have. Activities for younger children are included so adults can more easily participate in the conversations.

Some topics for discussion and input included the revision process of the parent/student handbook, the impact of bringing a new elementary school to DeKalb’s north corridor, and addressing behavioral concerns in schools. The events will continue into the next school year and be held at a variety of locations throughout DeKalb.

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We proactively invest in programs, personnel, and ongoing training to provide access to services in our buildings through our school counselors, psychologists, deans, and restorative behavior experts.

Adding to our resources are the essential relationships with mental health partners so that care doesn’t end with the sound of the school bell.

For several years, the Family Service Agency (FSA), funded by DeKalb County Health Board, and D428 have partnered to provide mental health support to students in the school setting. This partnership, past and present, includes working to align tiered offerings to provide classroom lessons and support, small counseling groups, and skill-building groups. Preventive education proactively addresses healthy relationships with peers and adults and gives students the tools to establish those relationships and how to respond when they are not healthy.

Additionally, FSA and the District have collaborated to support students who require more intensive and individualized support through individual counseling, mentoring, and interventions.

Handle with Care® is a system that notifies school personnel when a potentially traumatic event has impacted a student in the community. School personnel can then make trauma-informed decisions regarding how to best support the student. Handle With Care® offers in-depth training for educators and the District continues to increase the number of trained personnel.

Shown below: Rebekah Moore (left), a Huntley Middle School teacher, talks with fellow participants in the Northern Illinois University psychologist program – Adrien Fell (middle), from the Early Learning Development Center, and Viviana Castillo (right), teacher at Cortland Elementary School – about how the program will help them attain their career goals.

Growing Our Own

Educators make the jump from teacher to school psychologist

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n 2022, the U.S. Department of Education awarded Northern Illinois University a $5.1 million grant to address the critical shortage of K-12 school psychologists in the state’s northern region.

D428 is part of the Preparing Educators as School Psychologists in Northern Illinois (PESP-NI) project that will prepare 24 school psychologists over five years to meet significant needs in the northern Illinois public schools.

Currently working educators will engage in a threeyear training program at Northern Illinois University, resulting in Illinois licensure as a School Psychologist and eligibility for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential. The grant covers the cost of tuition. Graduates of the project will be licensed school psychologists who will help fill a local, state, and national shortage as school psychologists.

Three D428 educators – Rebekah Moore, Huntley Middle School, Adrien Fell, Early Learning Development Center, and Viviana Castillo, Cortland Elementary School – are participants in the first Preparing Educators as School Psychologists in Northern Illinois project cohort. The program removes several barriers to completing the requirements for the degree by offering evening classes and structuring the practicum and the year-long internship component so participants can maintain their teaching jobs at no cost to participating districts.

Kyle Gerdes, director of student services, is optimistic about this kind of collaboration’s impact. “My hope moving forward is that this program is really successful not just for our district but for the other partnering districts and that those who can allocate funds to programs like this will consider reinvesting in it,” Gerdes said.

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FINANCIAL STABILITY PRIORITY THREE WITH AN EQUITY LENS

Government Finance Officers Association

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Fiscal Stability

The Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting is presented to

DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022.

The district report meets the criteria established for

ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.

Presented to

DeKalb Community Unit School District #428 Illinois For its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022 John W. Hutchison

Siobhán McMahon, CAE

President

Chief Operations Officer/

Interim Executive Director

Executive Director/CEO

Business and Finance Office Earns International Recognition

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he Business and Finance Office again received recognition from two international organizations for its sound fiscal management and practices.

The Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) recognized the District with the Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended 2022. This is the 13th consecutive year the district has been recognized. The certificate of excellence recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and transparency. By participating in the COE program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to

financial transparency. A district’s participation in the COE program can facilitate bond rating and continuing bond disclosure processes.

Awarded for the 12th consecutive year was The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. The report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

“We pursue these designations because participating in this program provides the District the tools and resources to communicate district financials comprehensively,” said Armir Doka, director of business and finance and Certified School Business Officer. “It demonstrates our commitment to all our stakeholders and our adherence to nationally recognized standards of financial reporting.”

DID YOU KNOW?

2023 marks the 10th year of 1:1 Google Technology and 7th as a Google Reference District.

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How the Budget Supports Investment in Classrooms and Schools

District Schools Earn Energy Star Rating DeKalb High School, Lincoln Elementary School, Cortland Elementary School, and Clinton Rosette Middle School have earned an average Energy Star Rating of 84, certifying the buildings in the top 16th percentile for energy efficiency, moving up from the bottom 48th percentile and a Energy Star rating of 48 just two years ago.

In 2021 these same four buildings were identified as underperforming schools in the district as it related to energy consumption. These buildings held an average Energy Star score of 48, ranking in the bottom 48th percentile for efficiency.

The District’s Facilities and Operations Department took on the objective to improve energy efficiency at these four schools that was supported by the Board of Education’s approval to procure funds through OMNIA. The implementation of Campus Optimizer has helped the District realize tremendous results. DHS, Lincoln, Cortland, and CRMS now operate at an optimum level and provide a comfortable learning space for the students, faculty, and staff.

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Maximizing Grants

Diverse Grant Funding

Supports Multiple Initiatives

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ore than $24 million was awarded to DeKalb CUSD 428 through multiple federal, state, and private grants. Our fiscal year 2023 Consolidated District Plan, Strategic Priorities, and respective building school improvement plans guide the coordination and alignment of the funding sources that D428 receives.

A primary focus is meeting the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) goals for academic achievement and using local data to target student learning gaps and learning loss due to the pandemic. Another critical focus is utilizing funding for school improvement efforts and teacher, administrator, and staff professional development opportunities. The goal of our professional learning program is the embedding of effective instructional strategies that promote equitable and inclusive learning opportunities, implementation of innovative programs and technologies such as Play-based Learning, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Agriculture Education, best practices to support students with exceptionalities, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs.

Grants also help fund the cornerstone Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. MTSS ensures robust systems and structures are in place to support all students with high-quality curricula and effective Tier 1 instructional practices, as well as identify and serve students who need additional support through tiered intervention programs, restorative practices, summer enrichment programs, and after-school academic and enrichment programs at all schools.

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) I, II, pandemic funds along with American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER III grant funds have also been instrumental in our success in developing strategies and implementing public health protocols to effectively maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and staff during and post-pandemic. Funds were utilized to complete needed repairs and improve school facilities to reduce the risk of virus transmission and exposure, as well as provide a funding source for repair and upgrade projects to improve air quality in school buildings.

Meta Grant Dedicated to Elevating STEAM Learning

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ne of the District’s priorities is to increase interest and engagement in STEAM-related coursework by focusing on exemplary STEAM programs, instruction, and learning opportunities for our students. A $50,000 Grant Award from Meta helps the District make a giant stride toward its goal to level the STEAM playing field in comparison to less racially and language-diverse, high socioeconomic school systems. The grant award will partially fund a partnership with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to provide PLTW STEAM Modules and LittleBits STEAM class sets.

These research-based instructional and learning tools will provide our elementary students with hands-on learning and deep exploration into the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core State Standards for Math and English Language Arts, and other national and state standards.

The learning modules will empower students to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the world around them. This will not only promote student interest and engagement, but will translate into academic success and achievement on standardized tests. More important, the success our students experience will promote a new confidence and efficacy in STEAM-related learning principles, thus building a foundation for future academic and holistic success.

DeKalb High School “Crowbotics” team mentor Caeden Keith (left) works with student Lawrence Zanazaro on the team’s robot in March 2022.

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With the support from Meta through our grant and District local funds, the District is also purchasing a District-housed poster printer to help us elevate our STEAM commitment throughout the District. Learning doesn’t occur just within the four walls of a classroom but also in hallways, cafeterias, media centers, and offices. Posters will help showcase STEAM throughout our schools and provide learning opportunities related to STEAM content, college degree opportunities, and career pathways in STEAM-related fields.

PRIORITY FOUR

HUMAN CAPITAL

Teachers and administrators focus on discussions about the current state of Two Way Dual Language Programming based on feedback from representatives from every district-level department, administrators from K-8 buildings, teachers, and parents to identify potential obstacles to program success. Using this feedback and classroom data, teams worked backward to identify which stakeholder group was in charge of each obstacle that was identified and determined a plan to address it. This technique is called a "Premortem" which allows groups to plan for or avoid potential issues that could interfere with successful program implementation.

Professional Learning Communities

Build Collaborations

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rofessional Learning Communities (PLCs) days are scheduled two Friday’s each month for a half of a day. While students may enjoy the early end to their day, faculty and staff use this time to work together as a professional community with an eye on continuous improvement and addressing the needs of our students based on evidence and data. Three principles guide PLC work; Learning for All, Culture of Collaboration, and Focus on Results.

PLCs provide a structured framework for educators to engage in ongoing professional development and learning. In order to enhance student learning outcomes, teachers and school staff collaborate to assess their teaching practices, share knowledge, and discuss ways to improve instruction. PLCs foster a culture of collaboration and open communication among educators. They create opportunities for teachers to share insights, resources, and best practices. PLCs allow areas of concern where performance is lagging to be addressed through

instructional approaches, focus on instructional conversations around data, and by providing rolespecific professional development for PreK-12 staff.

This data-driven approach allows for targeted interventions and helps students achieve better academic outcomes. Research has shown that schools with effective PLCs tend to have higher student achievement. By focusing on improving teaching and learning practices, educators can positively impact student outcomes.

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Courageous Principals Program equips administrators to become more effective leaders

VOICES OF SCHOOL LEADERS “Courageous Principals provided tools and resources for me to reflect on my leadership skills and communication strategies that I can utilize when collaborating with staff and families.”

– Candice Coleman Jefferson Assistant Principal

Building principals, (back row) along with Dr. Garcia-Sanchez, Board Member Deyci Ramirez, and education center staff attend their first Courageous Principals training in the fall of 2023.

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uilding leaders, directors, and the superintendent attended Deloitte’s Courageous Principal training program which provided them the necessary tools to become more effective leaders and ensure that our D428 students can reach their full potential.

Beginning in the fall of 2022, and funded through a grant, principals, school board members and the superintendent spent an intensive weekend at their first Deloitte’s Courageous Principals training.

Assistant principals attended the same program in the spring of the year. The program is an awardwinning, global school leadership development programs that equip K-12 leaders, superintendents,

principals, and assistant principals, with the necessary skills to become more effective school leaders and ensure the students in our schools today can reach their full potential.

Principal leadership is a significant factor driving high performance of students. School leaders are uniquely positioned to impact teacher performance and student outcomes. The more effective principals are as leaders, the more resourceful, instructive, and effective our school systems can become. This agenda item encompasses our second group of leadership attendees. Training will continue with principals and assistant principals attending the next leg of the training during the next school year.

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“I came away from this experience with some amazing tools I can use while working with staff and the community.

We completed activities about a variety of topics, including driving change and creating moments that matter, which will help us to create a more positive learning environment for our students.”

– Melanie Bickley Jefferson Principal

NEW SCHOOL OVERVIEW

New Elementary School

Coming to DeKalb’s North Corridor

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he DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 Board of Education passed the recommended action put forth by District administration to move forward with the acquisition of the NIU School of Nursing Building, located at 1240 Normal Road, DeKalb at the March 7, 2023 board meeting. The District will proceed with a lease-to-purchase agreement for $1.86 million and begin initial design plans for an elementary school expansion option to renovate and expand the existing building to create a threesection elementary school with an anticipated opening date for the 2025-2026 school year.

“The opportunity to consider acquiring the nursing building from NIU came at a pivotal time for the District and allowed us increased flexibility to be more proactive and responsive to the needs of families in an area where we knew there were barriers to learning,” said Samantha McDavid, board of education president.

The decision comes after meetings with the Finance Facilities Advisory Committee (FFAC) and the greater community. An in-depth analysis of multiple options, including the construction of a new building on vacant land, was reviewed with a focus

on what options would effectively address class size concerns at the elementary level and provide for a neighborhood school in an identified area of need. Updates to Huntley Middle School and the expansion of the Early Learning Childhood Center were also included in financial forecasts that will be completed as a second-phase project.

“The District and our community partners have dedicated significant time and attention to this effort to present a fiscally responsible and timely solution that, first and foremost, focuses on serving the needs of our children and families,” said Cindy Carpenter, co-director of business and finance for the District. “The fact that we can incorporate the project costs within the district’s budget without requesting additional dollars from our taxpayers was also critically important,” said Carpenter. Projected costs will total approximately $31.8 million with a completion date and school opening of August 2025.

“This is a tremendous outcome for our students and families who live in DeKalb’s north corridor and for our community as a whole,” stated Superintendent Minerva Garcia-Sanchez, Ed.D. “I am grateful for the extensive and thoughtful deliberations the FFAC and Board put forth as they evaluated what would

best serve our students. More than 32 percent of the district’s elementary students live in this area, yet they must be bused to schools throughout the district.” Dr. Garcia-Sanchez added, “Families here have been asking for decades to be heard about their desire to have a neighborhood school that helps remove barriers to learning, increases the ability of families to be more present in their children’s school and activities, and paves the way for a more successful educational experience overall. I am honored, on behalf of District 428, to begin work on what promises to be a stellar example of a community school where teaching and learning set the stage for a lifetime of learning and success.”

The impact on all elementary schools with the addition of the new three-section building will be a reduction in classroom sizes from 28 to 25 students. This is a priority supported by the Board of Education from the Class Size Committee recommendation in May 2021 to “provide sufficient staff to lower the threshold from 28 to 25 students for grades K-5 and 35 to 30 students for Grades 6-12 when facilities and budgets allow.” Existing school boundaries will be adjusted prior to the opening of the new school based on the current demographic and population data at that time.

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Littlejohn Elementary Celebrates

Hispanic Heritage Month L ittlejohn’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration was a vibrant and culturally enriching event showcasing Hispanic traditions’ diversity and richness. Littlejohn transformed into a colorful tapestry of student creativity, with artwork and projects on display that celebrated Hispanic culture. From intricate papel picado to informative posters about influential Hispanic figures, the student work offered a captivating window into the heritage of Hispanic communities.

The highlight of the evening was a captivating performance by talented Folklorico dancers, who graced the stage in traditional costumes, moving to the rhythmic beats of Hispanic music. Their graceful movements and colorful attire left the audience in awe and conveyed the essence of Hispanic dance and expression.

The event culminated with a delectable traditional Hispanic dinner featuring dishes from various Hispanic countries. Parents and students indulged in culinary delights, savoring the flavors and spices integral to Hispanic cuisine.

This celebration was a beautiful tribute to Hispanic culture, fostering appreciation and understanding among our school community.

It was a night of unity, education, and joyful festivities, highlighting the importance of embracing and celebrating the rich tapestry of Hispanic heritage.

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Reaching New Heights

DeKalb High School theater crew brings immigrant experience to life on stage

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eKalb High School’s performance of the musical In the Heights took place April 20-22, 2023, showcasing LatinX culture through music, dance, language, food, community, family connections, and immigrant experiences. Students delighted audiences with salsa, merengue, and hip-hop music and dance performances. They brought the characters to life by speaking and singing in English and Spanish throughout the musical, promoting an appreciation for bilingualism.

The production highlighted the struggles and dreams of immigrants and the impact that their family and community had on the outcome.

This show afforded performers and audience members alike the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of LatinX culture and cultivate or strengthen a sense of pride in their own culture. In essence, In the Heights served to expand audience members’ worldview, gain an awareness of social issues, and celebrate diverse cultural perspectives and traditions.

SROs Officer ‘Cheese’, Officer Gordon, and Officer Allie, along with DeKalb Police Department Chief Byrd enjoy the annual Friendsgiving dinner.

Students-Led Friendsgiving Fosters Deeper Sense of Community at DeKalb High School The special Friendsgiving dinner started small and has grown exponentially over the years. At first, the only people involved were a few staff and the students who worked on their project to host the event. Today, Friendsgiving has grown to include the majority of DHS and several District staff and special guests. It’s now on Chief of Police David Byrd’s list to make sure to stop by and say hello.

The students are in charge of planning and making the majority of the food. Students also volunteer for different jobs to keep the event running smoothly. These may include doing dishes, welcoming visitors, and making sure enough food is on hand. Staff throughout the building donate both food and supplies for the event as well. The kitchen staff helps out greatly by allowing use of their refrigerators, ovens, and warmers.

This special event helps to foster a sense of community within the building while helping students meet and get to know more of the building’s staff and vice versa.

DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2022-2023 Annual Report 15

1

2 3

4

Making Beautiful Music DeKalb High School music programs continue to excel

1.

The DeKalb High School Marching Barbs ran an incredibly successful Fall 2022 season, placing at every competition they attended. This included placing second in class at the prestigious University of Illinois Marching Band Championship, where the Marching Barbs also claimed the caption award for best musical performance. The Marching Barbs also hosted their 4th annual competition at DHS, welcoming bands from all over the state to the DHS campus.

16 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2022-2023 Annual Report

Cortland 5th Graders Highlight Community History on a National Stage

E

ight fifth graders at Cortland Elementary School teamed up with the DeKalb History Center and the Museum on Main Street project from the Smithsonian’s Coming Home Program for a unique enrichment project to chronicle the history of Cortland, Illinois. Students spent the first semester of the year deciding on what topics they wanted to highlight and then, with support from the Smithsonian, learned how to create documentaries that would be shared for all of America to see.

5

2.

In addition to local school performances, the DHS Steelband performed as a guest artist as a part of Northern Illinois University’s 50th Anniversary Steelband concert. The band also traveled to Clinton Rosette Middle School as a part of their celebration of Black History Month.

3.

The DHS Orchestras had a very exciting year with a Division I Superior at IHSA Organizational Contest and selection as the Best Performance of the Day, for the second year in a row. They also received the highest score of the day and a Superior award at the Music in the Parks Festival, sponsored by Six Flags Great America.

The mission of the Museum on Main Street project is to provide access to the Smithsonian for small-town America through museum exhibitions, research, educational resources, and programming, including student-led projects.

Taking part in the Museum on Main Street project was an opportunity to provide students with interviewing, interpersonal, and research skills, something they wouldn’t ordinarily have the chance to explore at this level. Students worked closely with the Smithsonian, WNIJ Radio, Cortland Elementary’s instructional coach Mrs. Denise Flemming, and their teacher Mr. Mikey Tito to complete their projects.

One of the participating students, Zoë, shared that interviewing people became her favorite part of the project. “I learned what a leading question is and how not to ask those kinds of questions that can end up with just a yes or no answer,” she said. As an interviewee, Principal Jennifer Hilliard confirmed that Zoë learned quickly how to conduct an excellent interview that supported the story they wished to tell. “I’m very proud of what they accomplished,” added Hilliard. Fellow fifth-grader Jaxen agreed that interviewing was fun but also enjoyed other challenges. “I thought the whole experience was good, and I learned a lot about video production and editing.”

Group teacher, Mr. Tito with the fifth grade students who participated in the Museum on Main Street history project.

4.

Eight DeKalb High School Choir and Two CRMS students were selected to the American Choral Director Association’s National Honor Choir. Thirteen DHS choir students prepared and recorded individual audition recordings to apply for spots in the Honor Choirs at the ACDA National Convention in Cincinnati, OH. DHS had the most students of any high school in Illinois, and was among the top five schools in the nation for their representation.

Anaya Aguilar-DeCleene, Della Butler, Gabriel Galindo, Eduardo Garcia, Julia Glover, Jonathan Holtz, Grace Leopardo, Jisela Marquez, Raegan Mann, and Iliana Rigaud performed at Cincinnati Music Hall along with the top young musicians from around the Nation.

5.

The DHS Percussion Ensemble was a proud host and performer at Transformation Through Rhythm, a benefit concert supporting the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The event was jointly hosted by Arco Musical, a community non-profit and also featured the Northern Illinois Percussion Ensemble and the Harambee Percussion Ensemble.

DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2022-2023 Annual Report 17

Huntley Middle School

SHOP TALK

“

S

hop Talk” took place at Huntley Middle School in December 2022. The school served as a safe space for students as this is the home school that they attend.

Here, they saw familiar faces from the school as well as from their community. The “Shop Talk” forum began with five African-American males from the community who focused on five conversations around self-regulation, fatherlessness, ‘how do I make it in this world as a Black man,’ ‘who am I?’, and what it means to be an honorable man. Mentors were encouraged to ask or discuss topics from their learned experiences as AfricanAmerican males. After the presentation, participants were able to meet with the speaker that they identified with the most. During the entirety of the event, a licensed barber was set up in the corner of the room and offered hair cuts in order to simulate the actual barbershop experience.

IHSA Girls Badminton

State Tournament

D

eKalb High School hosted its first of three IHSA Girls Badminton State Tournaments. DeKalb was selected through a bid review process conducted by the IHSA that cited the high school's outstanding facilities, all that the city of DeKalb offers, the eagerness of the athletic director and district staff, as well as a thorough plan to put the best badminton in the state onto a stage that the athletes, the coaches, and the sport deserve could lead to a longer-term commitment to continue to host the state tournament here.

Coach Zak Effler is excited about the future of badminton in DeKalb. “We are eager to improve upon a solid 2023 tournament by adding some great new features and work more with interested community partners,” Effler said. “All the positive feedback we received from athletes, coaches, and spectators about the cleanliness of the facility, the organization of parking, the fantastic hype video, and the efficiency and professionalism of the tournament, and spectators traces back to the amazing work of our more than 50 volunteers, administrators and staff,” said Effler.

The tournament brought in nearly 200 competitors, along with their coaches and hundreds of spectators resulting in a significant economic impact for the city. More than 200 area hotel rooms were booked for the duration of the tournament, with teams arriving Thursday afternoon, and competing Friday and Saturday. Visiting teams, spectators, and IHSA staff all enjoyed local restaurants and shopping. We look forward to hosting again in 2024.

18 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2022-2023 Annual Report

THE BARB WIRE

DOMINIQUE YACKLEY, a fifth-grade teacher at Founders Elementary was selected as one of the 2023 finalists for the prestigious Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching. The Golden Apple Foundation is the leading Illinois nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring, and supporting educators who advance educational opportunities for students.

Yackley motivates her students by taking their interests and implementing them into the culture of her classroom. Whether they are playing a word game with “Takis” snacks or sporting “Stranger Things” gear, Yackley welcomes students’ cultures, likes, and interests. This results in respect, trust, and a strong relationship between Yackley and her students.

According to her colleagues, the way Yackley inspires students while holding them accountable and to a high standard makes her an excellent teacher and leader.

She stresses how important it is for her students to know that her classroom is a safe place where their thoughts and creative thinking are welcome. Yackley’s passion for inclusivity has encouraged her to build a diversity committee on the School Improvement Team.

She also works with building administrators to develop professional development that helps district educators create more inclusive classrooms.

Notable News

CHERISH JACKSON, Tyler Elementary Resource Teacher was selected as one of only 10 educators from more than 550 nominees nationwide for the LifeChanger of the Year award. Jackson was surprised at a school assembly on Wednesday, May 10, coinciding with Teacher Appreciation Week. The recognition includes a $3,000 prize to be split between a $1,500 individual cash award and a $1,500 donation to Tyler Elementary. The LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program sponsored by National Life Group that recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school employees across the country. The program celebrates those making a significant difference in students’ lives by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.

This is Jackson’s first year teaching in the District. As a resource teacher, Jackson works with students in classroom and small group settings to support students with their grade-level core skills and provide targeted evidenced-based interventions to support and grow foundational skills. Jackson explained the importance she puts on meeting students where they are in their learning needs. “My students have individual education plans (IEPs) to equip them with the support they need to overcome learning obstacles,” said Jackson. “I enjoy finding ways to make learning tangible and applicable to real situations.”

Jackson plans to use the funds to further support an afterschool journaling club that she started this year and to supplement more creative ways she can assist students in reaching their unique learning goals. “I’m so honored to have been nominated and chosen for this award,” said Jackson. “As the year quickly goes by, it’s easy to lose sight of the impact you are making as an educator. As I take a moment to reflect, I’m reminded of why I’m so passionate about connecting with my students and to never underestimate the power of helping individuals excel beyond what they believed possible for themselves.”

DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2022-2023 Annual Report 19

Athletic Director Peter Goff was recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) as a Certified Athletic Administrator.

To earn this distinction, Goff demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration.

The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate’s educational background, experience, and professional contributions, as well as a rigorous, comprehensive written examination. Goff is one of an elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.

“Earning the Certified Athletic Administrator designation helps me stay on the cutting edge of changes and developments in our industry,” said Goff. “I’m excited to use what I’ve learned to bring new insights and ideas to DeKalb that will widen opportunities for our student-athletes and improve programs within our district.”

According to the NIAA website, the NIAAA Certification Program is a voluntary professional service to athletic administrators and is based on the premises of continuing education, professional growth and program development in the vocation of interscholastic athletic administration. It recognizes and incorporates the professional development opportunities provided by the Leadership Training Institute. The attainment of professional certification demonstrates the completion of a comprehensive plan for self-improvement that will enhance the ability of the athletic administrator to better serve the school, community and profession.

Ben Bayle, information technology director for DeKalb CUSD 428 earned recertification as a Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL®) through the Consortium for School Network (CoSN). According to CoSN, the CETL program is the only accredited practice-based certification program available to education technology leaders that bridges technical knowledge, understanding of the educational environment, leadership and vision, and the management of technology and support resources needed to integrate technology across the curriculum to advance student outcomes.

Achieving and maintaining the CETL certification requires completing eligibility criteria, passing a rigorous multiple-choice exam, adhering to a code of conduct, and a recertification process every three years. “My role involves much more than just implementing technology,” said Bayle.

“This highlights that I understand the many facets that go into educating our students and how technology complements teaching and learning so that we leverage the best of what technology offers to support achievement and remove technical hurdles to learning,” Bayle also noted that maintaining his CETL credential has allowed him to advocate on behalf of the district at the federal level with members of the house, senate, and FCC on topics of the digital divide, funding for cybersecurity, and amendments to E-rate funding.

Bayle has been a part of the DeKalb School District for 20 years, beginning his career as an information technology specialist. Prior to being named director of information technology in 2016, Bayle also served as the computer and information systems manager from 2010-2016.

20 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2022-2023 Annual Report

Huntley Middle School music teacher Marybeth Kurnat is one of just 13 composers from nine states and four countries to be accepted for a choral composition fellowship that will take place in California during the summer of 2023.

Kurnat is the only composer from Illinois and the only full-time public school teacher to receive a fellowship from the Choral Arts Initiative (CAI).

The Choral Arts Initiative announced that after a record number of composer applicants than any year previous, those selected will participate in their annual PREMIERE|Project Festival. According to CAI, the festival will feature 13 world premieres by the composer fellows. The festival will take place at Concordia University Irvine’s newly upgraded Borland-Mankse Center and the Charlie and Ling Zhang Orchestra Hall from June 27-30, 2023, with the concluding performance on the final day.

Kurnat looks forward to the experience and exposure gained from being selected as a fellow.

“The festival provides a platform for composers to complete their compositions in a workshop setting with a professional chorus, receive guidance from renowned composition faculty, build their network, and gain exposure to the latest music in the choral field,” she added.

“My degree is in music education, and I am largely self-taught in the area of composition,” said Kurnat. “The fact that I got in against other applicants with master’s and doctoral degrees in composition is a really big deal.”

The foundation of the festival is dedicated to the creation and performance of new choral works.

It allows emerging composers to work with professional singers and gain valuable experience in the choral music industry. Kurnat noted that she only recently got back to composing about a year and a half ago. “I’ve become deeply motivated to create again. The music community is making a concerted effort to program more music by women, and an opportunity like this will get your name on the map. Hearing your own music performed live for the first time is possibly the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had, so I can’t wait to hear this new piece I’m writing for the festival.”

Greg Solomon with James Zucker, a former student and now colleague, who was one of his nominators for the award.

Greg Solomon, DeKalb High School humanities teacher, is the 2023 Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education recipient. Solomon was surprised with the honor at his school on April 13 during one of his speech classes.

Established in 1989 to honor the memory of William Wilbur Wirtz, (1887-1965), Alfa White Wirtz (18831931), and Jeann Sohner Wirtz (1902-1985), the award has been presented each year by the Wirtz Foundation.

The Wirtz Award encourages high standards of innovative achievement that bring quality to a public school system and vitality to a community. “Being nominated was a true honor,” said Solomon. “There are so many amazing educators here at DeKalb High School and throughout the district, that it is humbling to receive this recognition. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect is being nominated by a former student who is now a colleague. We become teachers to make an impact in students’ lives, and to be nominated by a former student indicates that at least at some level, and at least for this one individual, that goal has been achieved.”

Sheila Felder was recognized by the Illinois Chapter of the American String Teachers Association as the Outstanding School Teacher for 2022. This was for recognition of dedication and outstanding work in the field of string teaching. Felder is the Orchestra Director at DeKalb High School and co-teaches at Clinton Rosette Middle School, where the programs have rapidly expanded and even moved into larger facilities. Her orchestras have consistently been awarded superior ratings at both state and national competitions, including a state first place in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Orchestra, two years in a row.

Felder is the Tri M Advisor for DeKalb High School, has served as Adjunct Faculty for the Northern Illinois University School of Music, and is a representative for the Illinois Music Educators Association. She is also a cellist in the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.

Solomon, who, along with teaching, also serves as the high school’s forensic program head coach, a position he began more than 30 years ago while he was still student teaching. Solomon is credited with establishing the forensics program as one of the top programs in the state. He has also been active in the school’s theater department and is currently the Area Coordinator for Humanities, helping the department move forward with curriculum and instruction development.

Selection of the Wirtz Award was made by educators nominated and recommended by current District 428 staff and was based on the nominee’s ability to positively influence, motivate and inspire students.

The 2023 nominees for the Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education were Alexondrea Koester (Lincoln Elementary Teacher), Bethany Ray (Clinton-Rosette MS Teacher), Greg Solomon (DHS Teacher), George (Sid) Stratton (DHS Security), and Emily Weller (Elementary Instructional Coach- Littlejohn/Jefferson Elementary).

DeKalb High School Principal Donna Larson and Huntley Middle School Principal Treveda Shah completed their doctorate in education degrees from Northern Illinois University and National Lewis University, respectively. Congratulations to Dr. Donna Larson and Dr. Treveda Shah.

DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2022-2023 Annual Report 21

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE

0.2%

0.9%

(For the year ended June 30, 2022)

 Local Sources  State Sources  Federal Sources

7.1%

$59,967,724 $49,831,491 $18,032,981

Total Operating Revenue

$127,832,196

4.7%

LOCAL SOURCES

Property Tax Receipts 87%

 Property Tax Receipts $52,199,333  Corp. Personal Property Replacement Tax $4,274,450  Investment Income $98,365  Student Fees/Food Service Payments $565,249  Other Local Revenue $2,830,327

Total Local Sources

Grants & Categorical Payments 22.9%

Federal Sources 14.1%

STATE SOURCES

Evidence-Based Funding 77.1%

 Evidence-Based Funding  Grants and Categorical Payments

Total State Sources

$59,967,724

$38,431,010 $11,400,481

$49,831,491

Local Sources 46.9% Special National Education School Meal 18.5% Program 22.9%

State Sources 39%

Title Grants/ESSER 58.5%

Other Capital Outlay Objects 6.1% 9.2% Supplies & Materials 4.7% Purchased Services 14.3% Benefits 16.8%

OPERATING EXPENDITURES BY OBJECT

Salaries 48.9%

 Salaries  Benefits  Purchased Services  Supplies & Materials  Capital Outlay  Other Objects

Total

FEDERAL SOURCES

 National School Meal Program  Title Grants/ESSER  Special Education

$4,136,973 $10,551,169 $ $3,344,839

Total Federal Sources

$18,032,981

Payment to others 7.6%

Community Services 0.1%

$53,887,841 $18,509,899 $15,739,034 $5,152,642 $6,742,610 $10,101,866

Support Services 43%

OPERATING EXPENDITURES

BY FUNCTION

Instruction 49.3%

 Instruction  Support Services  Community Services  Payment to Other

Districts & Gov’t Units

Total

$110,133,892

HISTORY OF OPERATING REVENUE, EXPENSE & FUND BALANCE (Education, Tort, O&M, Trans., IMRF, WC)

 Revenue

22 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2022-2023 Annual Report

 Expenditures

— Fund Balance ­

$54,284,026 $47,347,012 $100,193 $8,402,661

$110,133,892

ABOUT DISTRICT 428

ADMINISTRATION

n Minerva Garcia-Sanchez, Ed.D., Superintendent n Deetra Sallis, Director of Human Resources n Billy Hueramo, Director of Teaching & Learning (PK-5) n Sarah Montgomery, Director of Teaching & Learning (6-12) n Kyle Gerdes, Director of Student Services n Lisa Davidson Becker, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Student Services n Amonaquenette Parker, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion n Armir Doka, Director of Business and Finance, CSBO n Tammy Carson, Director of Facility & Safety Operations n Ben Bayle, Director of Technology

BOARD OF EDUCATION

n Deyci Ramirez, President (2021-2025) n Steve Byers, Vice President (2022-2027) n Ariel Owens, Secretary (2021-2025) n Amanda Harness (2021-2025) n Andre Powell (2022-2027) n Christopher Boyes(2022-2027) n Vanta Bynum (2022-2027 )

PROGRAM COORDINATORS/ MANAGERS

n Amy Crook, Multilingual Program Coordinator n Jessica Nall, Ed.D., Assessments Coordinator n Jill Springer, Elementary Humanities Manager n Sarah Schaefer, Elementary STEAM Manager n Elizabeth Zimmerman, Secondary Humanities Manager n Amy Brodkorb, Secondary STEAM Manager n Andrew Langlois, Data Strategist n Brandon Royer, Student Services Coordinator n Katheryne Russell, Student Services Coordinator n Nicole Maxwell, Student Services Coordinator n Sara Bates, Social Emotional Learning Coordinator

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

n First Student – Tina Schroeder, Branch Manager, 815-748-2901 n Brenda Jergens, District Transportation Liaison, 815-754-2199

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS

Lincoln Elementary

FOOD SERVICE

Littlejohn Elementary

n Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC) – Tom Crouch, Director, 815-825-2000 n Menta Academy – Jason Kudelka, 630-907-2400 n Denise Giammarrusco, Aramark Director n Mike Chamness, District Food Services Manager n Lisa Ruiz, Food Services Office Professional, 815-754-2162

SCHOOL – BUILDING ADMINISTRATORS

815-754-2212 220 E. Sunset Place, DeKalb n Jennifer Tallitsch, Principal n Chardon Hill-Hamilton, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 259 815-754-2258 1133 N. 13th Street, DeKalb n Rick Davis, Principal n Laura Young, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 368

Malta Elementary

Early Learning Development Center 815-754-2999 1515 S. Fourth St., Door 31, DeKalb n Kim Lyle, Principal Enrollment: 319

815-754-2970 5068 State Rte. 38, Malta n Kristine Baccheschi, Principal n Stephanie Henkel, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 286

Tyler Elementary

Brooks Elementary

815-754-9936 3225 Sangamon Rd., DeKalb n Donna Henry, Ed.D., Principal n Thomas Shuman, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 326

815-754-2389 1021 Alden Circle, DeKalb n Sherry Dority, Principal n Benjamin Erickson, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 279

Clinton Rosette Middle School

Cortland Elementary

815-754-2360 370 E. Lexington Ave., Cortland n Jennifer Hilliard, Principal n Melissa Yu, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 516

815-754-2226 650 N. First Street, DeKalb n Brant Boyer, Principal n Nacolia Stallings, Assistant Principal n Brenda DeLacy, Dean Enrollment: 583

Founders Elementary

Huntley Middle School

815-754-2241 1515 S. Fourth Street, DeKalb n Treveda Shah, Ed.D., Principal n Sean Chamberlain, Assistant Principal n Amy Sayed, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 885

815-754-3800 821 S. Seventh Street, DeKalb n Connie Rohlman, Principal n Lamie Cedillo, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 549

Jefferson Elementary

815-754-2263 211 McCormick Dr., DeKalb n Melanie Bickley, Principal n Candice Coleman, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 315

DeKalb High School

815-754-2100 501 W. Dresser Rd., DeKalb n Donna Larson, Ed.D., Principal n Sara Jennings, Assistant Principal n Melinda Cattell, Assistant Principal n Kirk Scales, Dean n Aaron Lewandowski, Dean n Rhonda Crandall, Dean n Peter Goff, Director of Activities & Athletics Enrollment: 2,103

DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2022-2023 Annual Report 23

901 S. Fourth Street DeKalb, IL 60115 Phone: 815-754-2350 En Espanol: 815-754-2102 Fax: 815-758-6933

FAST FACTS 1

Early Learning Development Center

SCHOOLS 8 Elementary schools

2

Middle schools

1

High School

EMPLOYEES 1,073

Total employees. DeKalb CUSD 428 is the third-largest employer in the city.

STUDENTS $16,293 6,863

Total student enrollment (2022)

FOOTPRINT 1,144,864 288

Square footage maintained by the District

1

New elementary school building in progress open for 2025-26 school year

Acres

Website: d428.org

4,572

Average number of students transported per year (2022)

Operating expenditure per student in FY 22 (state average in 2022 was $17,953)

667,631

Total number of miles transported each year (2022)