School, Community, Family.
A Partnership for Education
2025 ANNUAL REPORT
July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
CONTENTS 3
Superintendent Message
4
District 428 Fast Facts
5
Board President Message
6
Core Values & Strategic Plan
7
Partnership with Daybreak Health
8
Transition Program
9
Building STEAM
10
Financial Overview
12
Maximizing Grants
13
Book Flood
14
Wirtz Award for Educational Excellence
15
The Barb Wire | Notable News
19
About District 428
2 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report
Mission
Our Mission is 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.
Vision Statement
Our Vision is to positively impact students’ lives, supporting each student to achieve their full potential. On the cover, Tyler Elementary student Lionel Babala at STEAMCon 2025.
SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE DEAR DEKALB CUSD 428 COMMUNITY, As we look back on this past school year, I am proud of the progress our district has made together. Guided by our strategic plan, we continue to focus on four strategic goals: Student Achievement, Community Engagement, Financial Stability with Equity, and Support for Our Staff. These areas help us make sure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. This year, we celebrated growth in academic achievement across our schools. Students showed improvement in reading and math, and more students are joining advanced and career-connected programs. We expanded our STEAM and literacy initiatives and increased support for bilingual and special education learners. We also opened the Beyond One Barb Transition Center and completed construction of the new Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School ahead of schedule and under budget, demonstrating our continued commitment to providing strong learning spaces for all. We strengthened our partnerships with families and the community through expanded outreach through Community Conversations, student showcases, and by deepening college and university partnerships with our
neighbors, Kishwaukee College and Northern Illinois University. Financial responsibility remains key. By managing our budget carefully, we were able to make needed updates to facilities, technology, and safety while maintaining balance and focusing on equity for all schools. The district continues to lower its levy to afford taxpayers some relief while maintaining physical and academic needs in the district. We also invested in our amazing teachers and staff, expanding professional learning opportunities, leadership development, and programs that help attract and retain high-quality, diverse educators in our district. As we move forward, DeKalb CUSD 428 remains united in our mission: to provide an inclusive, supportive, and excellent education for every child. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in helping our students shine. With gratitude,
MINERVA GARCIA-SANCHEZ, Ed.D. Superintendent
DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report 3
FAST FACTS
SCHOOLS
1 Early Learning Development Center 9 Elementary Schools 2 Middle Schools 1 High School 1 Transition Center
STUDENTS
48 - Competitive Sports 100 - Clubs and Extracurricular Activities 6,719 - total student enrollment 4,914 - average number of students transported per year
729,856 - total number of miles
transported each year
$19,326 - operational spending per student (state average $20,129)
FOOTPRINT 1,216,164
square footage maintained by the District across 326 acres
EMPLOYEES
1,073 total employees. DeKalb CUSD 428 is the third-largest employer in the city. Data from School Year 2024-2025
4 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report
Board of Education Board President Christopher Boyes greets Huntley Middle School students on their first day of school, along with Superintendent Dr. Minerva Garcia-Sanchez and DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd.
BOARD PRESIDENT MESSAGE TO THE DEKALB CUSD 428 COMMUNITY: As we close the chapter on the 20242025 school year, on behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our staff, families, and students for proving that being part of the One Barb family is a point of pride. This year was defined by purposeful growth, and upon reflection, it is clear that our collective efforts have strengthened the foundation of our district. Like the physical foundations of our buildings, their structural strength provides safe spaces for learning. It is also the responsibility of the board to provide structural foundations for learning that can prosper within our physical spaces. The foundation of every decision we make is grounded in how we holistically and strategically support our students’ academic journeys while also fortifying our district with sound fiscal responsibility and long-term success. Here are just a few highlights of what we achieved together during this school year: • Achievement Through Collaboration: Our gains in graduation rates and student attendance this year were not accidental—they were the result of genuine partnership. By listening to stakeholders and aligning our goals, we created a supportive environment that drove academic success.
• Expanding STEAM Opportunities: Thanks to our continued partnership with Meta, we significantly expanded our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programming. From hands-on classroom technology to the success of Barb STEAMCon, we are equipping our students with the skills they need for a modern workforce. • Fiscal Stewardship: We honored our commitment to financial responsibility by aggressively managing debt and prioritizing long-term stability. By maximizing alternative funding sources, we ensured that taxpayer dollars were channeled directly into classrooms and facility improvements where they impact students most. Moving into the next school year, the Board of Education remains committed to this trajectory of excellence. We look forward to building upon these achievements, continuing our collaborative partnerships, and ensuring that every student in our district receives a world-class education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. The progress captured in this report is a collective accomplishment, and I am incredibly optimistic about the future we will continue to shape together for the One Barb community.
Christopher Boyes President
Jose Jaques Vice President
Steven Byers Secretary
Nicholas Atwood, J.D.
Kristin Bailey, Ph.D.
Vanta Bynum
Mark Charvat
Maria Elena Bello Student Representative, Class of 2027
Sincerely, CHRISTOPHER BOYES President, Board of Education
DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report 5
Core Values & Strategic Plan
Core Values & Strategic Plan 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
Supporting our commitment is our Strategic Plan. Throughout this report, we’ll share information demonstrating our strategic priorities and progress toward our goals during the 2024-2025 school year. 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
6 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report
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
Student Achievement
Robust Programming and Options
Partnership with Daybreak Health provides free mental health services
A
new partnership with Daybreak Health launched in October 2024, provides greater access to mental health services, including teletherapy, to students and families across the district at no charge. The program is fully funded through the Stronger Connections Grant, which is included in the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) and distributed to state educational agencies for competitive subgrants. The funding aims to help schools provide all students with safe and supporting learning opportunities and environments which is reflected in the district’s ongoing commitment to supporting the mental well-being of all students, ensuring that mental health care is accessible, inclusive, and tailored to meet individual and family needs. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Illinois, and the Kaiser Family Foundation, American Psychological Association, 81 of 102 counties in Illinois have no child/adolescent psychiatrist access, rates of depression and anxiety tripled from 2019 to 2021, and 54% of teens see “no point to plan for the future.” Through this partnership, students can access comprehensive mental health support, including individual and family therapy, through a secure virtual platform. Daybreak Health’s teletherapy services are available in multiple languages, and families can work with a diverse team of licensed clinicians who reflect the varied backgrounds of DeKalb’s community. The services are available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing
families with flexible access to care at convenient times. “We are deeply committed to providing our students with the resources they need to thrive academically and socially, and mental health is an essential part of that support,” said Minerva Garcia-Sanchez, Ed.D., Superintendent of DeKalb CUSD 428. “Our partnership with Daybreak Health allows us to remove barriers to care and offer mental health services in the languages and formats that best meet our families’ needs.” This initiative aligns with the district’s efforts to promote mental wellness through its Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs. In addition to individual and family therapy, Daybreak Health offers a variety of online mental health classes for families. These virtual classes provide resources and strategies to help families understand and support their children’s mental health needs, empowering parents and caregivers to be proactive in fostering emotional wellbeing at home. Through the end of the 2024-2025 school year, a total of 228 referrals for Daybreak services were initiated across the district, with 82% coming from staff-submitted referrals and 18% coming directly from parents/students, leveraging Daybreak’s Direct Referral pathway, which created more access points for care. The shift to asynchronous intake options has led to a significant improvement in intake completion rates. The conversion rate surpassed 50%, meaning over half of referred students are completing intakes and accessing services.
Once students complete the intake process, the fit for services has been remarkably strong—94% of students have been determined by Daybreak to be within the scope of care and appropriate for counseling. This high alignment rate speaks to the accuracy of the referral process and the ability of Daybreak’s model to meet the mental health needs of a diverse student population. 65% of referrals are for 1:1 Teletherapy (students aged 10+), while 35% are Elementary Family Therapy (ages 5-12) where parents/guardians participate in the sessions with the student. During the program’s first nine months, 89 students received services through Daybreak. Importantly, 85% of students currently in care have demonstrated clinical progress. This is a powerful testament to both the quality of services provided and the positive impact of teletherapy as a mental health support in a school-based setting. Student feedback also reinforces this success, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 for Daybreak services. As the district moves into the second year of services, the focus on deepening engagement, refining referral practices, and aligning Daybreak supports with other components of the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) will continue. The data collected so far strongly affirms that Daybreak is a valuable and effective addition to the district’s mental health service continuum, helping to further students’ ability to focus on success in the classroom and beyond.
DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report 7
Student Achievement
Robust Programming and Options
Transition Program celebrates new home, expanded opportunities
T
he Transition Program relocated to its new home at 530 Charter Street in DeKalb with the start of the spring semester and a grand opening celebration on January 22, 2025, officially welcoming students, families, and members of the community to the renovated space. Along with a new dedicated facility to support the transition of students aged 18-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities into adulthood and independent living, staff and participants of the program also wanted to give this innovative space a new name. Transition Team Teacher and Vocational Coordinator Jessica Marcellis-Montavon engaged the students in selecting the name of the center. The Beyond One Barb Transition Center (BOBTC) rose to the top for several reasons. Even though students have moved beyond high school, they all still identify as a Barb, and really enjoy the motto “One Barb.” They chose the word Beyond to signify that they are no longer high school students, and “Transition Center” to designate that this was a center for transitions. They also helped choose the color of furniture, wall hangings, kitchen tools, etc. to make it feel like home. Director of Student and Family Services Kyle Gerdes emphasizes the larger impact of bringing the BOBTC to fruition. “It’s more than just a building,“ Gerdes said. “It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to provide the very best for young adults with disabilities.” Finding a suitable independent space was more than 15 years in the making. The program had been housed within two classrooms at the High School and presented several significant challenges to providing the services and spaces needed for the students to expand their independence, self-advocacy, employment, and social and community integration during their final years of mandated public schooling. The
8 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report
“[Students] seem much more comfortable in their own skins, and have really blossomed with their adult life skills.” — Jessica Marcellis-Montavan, Transition Team Teacher & Vocational Coordinator
district was able to acquire a neighborhood property in the fall of 2024, investing $1.5M to transform a former daycare facility into a customized learning environment and home for the program. Accessibility features were built into the plans for the building to intentionally expand opportunities for students to become independent and increase their everyday life skills. Fixtures and the furnishings allow students, regardless of disability, mobility or height, to have access to all areas of the 2,400 square foot learning space. It features three toilet rooms, a staff break room, administration office, classroom, living room, kitchen with a laundry area, two sensory rooms, two storage spaces on the main floor and a basement. Marcellis-Montavon reports that the students are “blooming” at the center. “Many times, their unique disability made them feel like they couldn’t be themselves within the confined space at the high school,” said Marcellis-Montovan. “Now, they seem much more comfortable in their own skins, and have really blossomed with their adult life skills.” One example many may take for granted is for a student, who uses a wheelchair and had never been able to turn the water on and off herself when washing her hands. She came to the BOBTC, was able to wheel under the sink, and wash her hands independently for the first time at school. She was absolutely thrilled.
Community Engagement & Marketing Family & Community Engagement
Building STEAM
Students involved with technology reinvisioned
W
ith a focus on STEM and the exponentially growing influence and reliance of technology in society, DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 planned to revitalize a popular technology-focused student event and again host a SIT (Students Involved with Technology) Conference in the spring of 2025. ABOUT SIT SIT was formed to provide students with a professional conferencelevel experience, showcasing their understanding of technology and offering an opportunity for peer-to-peer education. Its goal was to bring students, families, and educators together to demonstrate the diverse technology skills and tools students are learning about or are interested in exploring. Students in grades 3-12 were encouraged not only to attend but also to present sessions about their interests. District employees, community, and family volunteers also attended, presented, and staffed
the conference. The day provided a tangible opportunity to develop further essential technology literacy skills, critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and innovation, collaboration and communication, career preparation, engagement, and motivation. HISTORY With the assistance of Illinois State University and the Bloomington school district, the SIT Conference was held for over ten years, routinely welcoming more than 300 students from the District to learn about technology. After the pandemic, the support from other partners disappeared, and sadly, so did the conference. A loyal SIT participant and now Senior at DeKalb High School and Student Board of Education Student Representative Jenna Zimmerman approached the District about bringing the conference back to life, hoping to re-establish it as a lookedforward-to event for students for years to come, as she fondly experienced. “STEM has been a significant part of my life, and I wanted to give that joy to the students around me,” said Jenna, who is also active in the high school robotics (or as we call it in reference to our mascot, “Crowbotics”). Jenna and the Crowbotics team qualified and attended the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition World Championship in Houston, TX, this past spring. “In the past, many students and community members enjoyed different
Jenna Zimmerman with fellow student volunteers helped organize and staff Barb STEAMCon 2025.
types of tech, including but not limited to robots, virtual reality, coding, filmmaking, and video gaming.” Jenna shared. “Hands-on learning was also a primary focus in approaching technology from a new perspective! I’m excited to bring back this amazing event to the students of D428 and grow the world of STEM one student at a time!” Thanks to Jenna’s leadership and in partnership with Meta, SIT was reenvisioned to Barb STEAMCon 2025 and took place on February 8, 2025. More than 17 presenters, made up of staff and students, hosted sessions on a wide variety of STEAM-focused topics such as STEAM and Falconry, Exploring the Science of Music, and Drawing with Light. More than 75 students registered, and attendees spent the morning exploring new topics and enjoying hands-on learning.
DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report 9
Financial Stability with Equity Lens
Fiscal Stability
How the Budget Supports Investment in Classrooms and School l Business Support Services 0.81%
l Facilities Maintenance 10.10%
l Nurses, Social Workers, Counselors, Psychologists, Speech Pathologists 9.77%
l Librarians, Computer Labs, Teacher Training 3.24%
l General Administration 5.39%
l Utilities 2.00%
l Student Transportation 5.74% l Food Service 2.68%
l School Administration 3.80%
10 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report
8 7
2020
2021 2022 YEAR
4.83192
2019
2
5.675
3
6.09342
4
6.80841
5
7.06491
6 7.18383
— Armir Doka, MBA, CSBO | Director of Business & Finance
Tax Rate Reduction
TAX RATE
“The business and finance team strives to work collaboratively with our internal and external stakeholders to provide transparency in our budget. Along with the snapshot provided here, we invite you to review all of the district’s financial information on our website.”
l Instruction 56.47%
2023
2024
1
How Local Tax Dollars Are Spent (per district accounts) l Social Security 3% l IMRF (retirement) 2%
EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 has again been recognized for excellence in financial reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) and the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). DeKalb CUSD 428 earned certificates of excellence from both organizations for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended 2024. This is the 14th (GFOA) and 15th (ASBO) consecutive years the district has received these prestigious designations. For both the GFOA and ASBO, the certificate of excellence recognizes districts that have met high standards for financial reporting and transparency.
l Tort 1% l Fire Prevention/ Safety 1%
l Transportation System 5% l Operation & Maintenance 12% l Special Education 11%
l Education (general) 65%
R
R
The Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting is presented to
Operating Revenue (for Year End June 30, 2024)
Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting DeKalbThe Community Unit School District #428 is presented to for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024.
DeKalb Community Unit School District #428 Theits district report meets the criteria established for for Annual Comprehensive Financial Report ASBO International’s Certificate Excellence Financial for the Fiscal Year of Ended Junein30, 2024.Reporting.
l Federal Sources $15,755,324
The district report meets the criteria established for ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.
l Local Sources $63,543,387 Ryan S. Stechschulte
l State Sources $63,689,647
CEO/Executive Director
Ryan S. Stechschulte
James M. Rowan, CAE, SFO
President
CEO/Executive Director
Total Operating Revenue: $142,988,358
Operating Expenditures (for Year End June 30, 2024) l Community Services $146,018
James M. Rowan, CAE, SFO
President
Government Finance Officers Association
l Payments to Other Districts & Governmental $10,445,031
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Presented to
DeKalb Community Unit School District #428 Illinois
l Instruction $61,564,184 l Support Services $55,092,906
For its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024
Executive Director/CEO
DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report 11
Financial Stability with Equity Lens
Maximizing Grants
Meta partnership strengthens STEAM learning
Major grant investments T
M
expanded intervention support, and targeted academic assistance to address post-pandemic learning gaps.
he META grant funding for Project Lead the Way (PLTW) continued to support DeKalb School District 428’s mulityear rollout of hands-on, project-based STEM learning. This investment has strengthened the district’s curriculum by expanding access to high-quality STEM resources designed to build students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
With the change to a new administration in January, Federal and State grant initiatives have undergone changes, with several at risk. D428 continues to rely on local community partnerships and grants to fill funding gaps. One of those partners is Northwestern Medicine, which awarded D428 with a $50,000 grant to replace and increase the number of AEDs serving the district. This funding is crucial to sustain compliance with State health regulations but also allows the district to use the latest technology to support health outcomes of students, staff and their families during school and extracurricular activities. Another highlight for the District was receiving new State funding that supports student wellness through the Stronger Connections Grant. This grant has supported the purchase of play-based and social-emotional learning materials for all students in K-2 classrooms, new CPR manikins and Stop the Bleed kits for staff training, as well as our partnership with Daybreak Therapy to provide students with Online Teletherapy Social Services and Counseling.
Unlike traditional teacher-led instruction, the PLTW model creates a collaborative learning environment where students actively engage in creative thinking and tackle complex challenges connected to real-world applications. Through structured, hands-on investigations, students explore scientific and technological phenomena, make sense of the world around them, and apply prior knowledge to new concepts. These open-ended design problems have no single “right” answer, pushing students to test ideas, iterate, and approach learning like scientists and engineers. The initiative also provides targeted professional development for educators, ensuring they are wellprepared and confident in delivering these innovative, inquiry-driven learning experiences. They often take a backseat to the classroom, allowing students to formulate their own hypotheses by working together. This was the third year of preliminary training, where staff in grades 3-5 were certified in the program.
Facility improvements completed using FY2025 grant dollars include restroom renovations and playground improvements. These facility investments, funded through state and federal grants, directly support student safety, comfort, and readiness to learn, while protecting district resources for instructional purposes.
In 2025, Meta awarded Mitchell Elementary $50,000 to implement PLTW in grades 3–5, preparing the new school to align its STEM programming with other elementary schools in the district. Additionally, we partnered with Meta to launch Barb STEAMCon. This STEAMfocused event took place in the Spring and was free for students K-8 to attend with family and friends. By working alongside META, the district has built a more robust STEM foundation that positions DeKalb D428 students for success in an evolving academic and career environment.
exceeding $10 million transform learning in DeKalb CUSD 428
ore than $10 million in FY2025 grant funding was awarded to DeKalb CUSD 428 through multiple federal, state, and private grants, continuing the district’s commitment to equitably supporting students, families, and staff. These funding sources—which include Title I, II, III, IV, IDEA Flow-Through and Pre-K, Early Childhood, Afterschool Programming, Agriculture Education grants, Stronger Connections, Teacher Vacancy Grant, and other state initiatives—play a critical role in strengthening academic achievement, instructional quality, school climate, and access to essential resources. In the spring of each school year, district leadership collaborates to develop the Consolidated District Plan, which aligns strategic priorities, school improvement goals, and the variety of funding streams available to D428. The Grants Manager coordinates this process with key district leaders, including the Directors of Teaching and Learning, Student Services, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as the Multilingual Programs Coordinator and all building principals. This ensures that every funding source is intentionally leveraged to meet the needs of students across all PK–12 schools. The Federal Government extended the ability to claim ESSER III-funded expenses through January of 2025. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER III program has been essential in addressing pandemicrelated needs in both Elementary and Secondary schools. ESSER III investments supported the implementation of socialemotional curricula in Secondary buildings, expanded the district’s school-based mental health staff, and strengthened the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Through these funds, students benefited from access to mental health clinicians,
Together, these coordinated investments ensure that every dollar supports the district’s mission to provide high-quality instruction, safe learning environments, and equitable opportunities for all students.
12 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report
Financial Stability with Equity Lens Elementary classrooms get ready for a
Book Flood
“
D
istrict 428 initiated a major literacy initiative implementing a “book flood”—a concept championed by noted Texas educator, author, and literacy advocate Donalyn Miller—in all nine elementary schools to provide a significant boost to student reading and greater access to literary materials. Led by Jill Springer, elementary humanities manager, the year-long project was a bold undertaking that required coordination and collaboration with teachers, building principals, administrators, and the book supply company to have all of the pieces in place prior to the start of the 20252026 school year. The project’s scope encompassed every kindergarten through fifth-grade classroom in the district, including monolingual, dual-language, and intensive classroom settings, putting more than 89,960 new books in the hands of DeKalb’s 3,300 elementary students. Each classroom received
Lincoln Elementary 1st-grade teacher Madi Sostarich.
”
between 400 and 620 brand-new, individual books. Using federal Title I, Part A, and designated state school improvement funds, the $567,000 project was able to be fully grant-funded. The new libraries were specifically curated to support science and social studies curricula to help improve background knowledge and comprehension. The elementary humanities team collaborated with teachers across the district to ensure that books complemented lessons and helped achieve four key objectives: • Provide Access & Equity: Ensure every student has immediate, daily access to diverse and culturally responsive texts, regardless of socio-economic background. • Increase Volume of Reading: Facilitate dedicated daily independent reading time, linking a higher volume of reading to greater proficiency and stamina.
• Boost Engagement: Allow students to choose books that explore their interests, curriculum topics, and diverse identities. • Build Knowledge: Provide grade-levelappropriate books to build background and extend knowledge in all content areas. “This project represents a significant financial investment in our students, and certainly provides both students and teachers with more tools in their learning toolboxes, with the added benefit of helping to build lifelong readers and active learners,” said Springer.
Tyler Elementary teachers Treyana Hayes (5th grade) and Alex Patinka (Math Interventionist). DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report 13
Human Capital
Development
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a Barb for the last 32 years, and I look forward to finishing my career here.” — Mark Sykes, Wirtz Award winner
Mark Sykes with DeKalb High School Principal Dr. Donna Larson at his surprise announcement assembly for the Wirtz Award.
Mark Sykes, a 32-year veteran educator, recognized with
Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education
M
ark Sykes, who serves as the current assistant athletic director, driver’s education teacher, and multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) tier 1 coach, is the 2025 Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education recipient. Sykes was presented with the award during a surprise assembly with students and colleagues on April 25, 2025, at the high school. Sykes was additionally recognized as the 2024-2025 Assistant Athletic Director of the Year for the state of Illinois by the Illinois Athletic Directors Association. Sykes began his career with DeKalb CUSD in 1993. In addition to serving as a driver education instructor for the past 24 years and assistant athletic director since 2012, he has also held roles as a special education teacher, dean of students, and coach for more than 29 years, overseeing boys’ and girls’ basketball and football teams. “Receiving the Wirtz Award is a deeply humbling and honorable experience,” said Sykes. “I recognized the significant influence of outstanding leaders who mentored me, as well as the invaluable support and collaboration of great colleagues and the amazing students who surrounded me. I feel that these
individuals have played a crucial role in shaping me into the person I am today. This recognition clearly resonates with me on a personal level, acknowledging the impact of the people who have supported and guided me through this wonderful journey. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a Barb for the last 32 years, and I look forward to finishing my career here.” Sykes’ contributions to the district go well beyond the classroom, courts or playing fields. He was instrumental in securing a $25,000 grant from State Farm through Celebrate My Drive, as well as a $50,000 grant from ComEd, for the purchase of an electric vehicle and a charging station for driver education. He’s also credited with creating the Crows’ Nest (student section) at the start of the 2000-2001 girls basketball season. In his multiple nominations from colleagues, some of whom were also former students, Sykes is noted for his tireless dedication to his students, colleagues, and community, with one nominator sharing, “Whether it’s supporting athletic teams, organizing school events, or offering mentorship to students in need, Mark is always there with a kind word and helping hand.”
14 DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report
About the Wirtz Award Established in 1989 to honor the memory of William Wilbur Wirtz (1887-1965), Alfa White Wirtz (18831931), and Jeann Sohner Wirtz (19021985), the Wirtz Foundation presents the award each year. The Wirtz Award encourages high standards of innovative achievement that bring quality to a public school system and vitality to a community. Outstanding employees of DeKalb School District 428 are recognized annually for their distinguished service and who raise young people’s sights or promote a program or organization that lifts a student’s sense of human values and purpose.
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 2025 nominees for the Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education are Cora Benner (4th Grade, Brooks Elementary), Ashley Carlson (Special Education, Malta Elementary), Samantha Peek (Counselor, Huntley Middle School), Mark Sykes (Drivers Education/Asst. Athletics Director, DeKalb High School), and Julie Stubblefield (MTSS-B, Education Center)
The Barb Wire Notable News
Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School
C
onstruction of DeKalb’s newest elementary school was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, ready for its grand opening at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The district was able to take possession of the 70,000-square-foot building in early May, two months ahead of schedule. Designed by architectural firm Richard L. Johnson Associates, the construction of the $33.8 million project was managed by Lamp Incorporated and is projected to finish approximately $1.2 million under budget. The school, located at 1240 Normal Road in DeKalb, will serve approximately 450-500 students in grades kindergarten through five and include dedicated spaces for staff to hold restorative conversations, spaces designed specifically to accommodate services for students with special needs, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) classroom, dedicated art and music classrooms, outdoor learning, and innovation pods (open collaborative group learning spaces).
Celebrating a Grand Opening & New Mascot
In anticipation of the school’s opening, students from across the district were invited to offer mascot suggestions, and students were excited to share their thoughtful ideas. A Mitchell Mascot activity sheet was sent to every elementary building in the district, asking students to draw a picture of their mascot idea and explain why they believed it would be a good mascot. The entries poured in, and students excitedly shared their thoughts. Using a rubric, Mitchell Principal Maurice McDavid reviewed each entry to select finalists from each school. Those finalists were sent to district leaders, who helped to narrow it down to a final four. Then, in September, the final four were presented at a districtwide Community Conversation where the attendees had the opportunity to vote for their favorite mascot. In a dominating fashion, the Monarchs won a majority of the votes. Congratulations to Littlejohn 5thgrade student, Aniaya H., who submitted the winning design that features letters, shapes, and numbers in the wings of her monarch. From there, the monarch
design came to life with the help of 2015 DeKalb High School graduate Dominic Buckner, who designed the school’s official logo, representing personal growth, transformation, and resilience. Along with Anaiya, each contest runnerup received a gift card purchased with funds provided by Kishwaukee United Way. Runners-up included Callie, 5th grade at Malta, with the Mad Dogs; Jeremy, 5th grade at Lincoln, with the Manta Rays; and Evelyn, 3rd grade at Cortland, with the Mallards. A grand opening ceremony is planned for the start of the 2025-2026 school year that will celebrate and recognize the school’s namesake, Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell, a highly-repsected community leader known for his nearly three decades of service to Northern Illinois University as the director of the CHANCE program where he touched and impacted the lives of countless students to empower them through education, and the founder and now pastor emeritus of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb.
DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report 15
The Barb Wire Notable News Three DeKalb educators and Northern Illinois alumni were recognized at an October home football game for going above and beyond in support of their students. All three educators received grant funds from NIU to support their efforts. At left, Caio Gomes, English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Clinton Rosette Middle School, was recognized for his work leading TELOS (Together Exploring las Oportunidades para Sobresalir), an after-school club for first and second-generation immigrant boys at the middle school. Pictured next to Gomes is Amy Livengood, Huntley Middle School 6th-grade teacher, who received literacy games, and Littlejohn Elementary Second Grade Two Way Dual Language teacher Megan Forti, who used funds to bolster math games and add a STEM activity box to her classroom. Congratulations to these three outstanding D428 educators and NIU alumni on this well-deserved recognition.
Students, staff, and families from D428, including Lincoln Elementary School’s Empowerment Club, volunteered their time for November’s annual Feed My Starving Children mobile pack event. Twenty-one students, five staff members, and 12 parents volunteers packed 386 boxes, amounting to 82,000 meals—enough to save 226 children from starvation. In total, volunteers packed 1 million meals.
Founders Elementary School 3rd-5th graders headed to the polls ahead of the national election for their own mock election. Students spent several weeks learning about the nation’s election process, researching candidates from multiple parties at the local, state, and federal levels, and the importance of exercising the right to vote. They proved to be very knowledgeable first-time “voters”! After being checked in by community guest election judges Dr. Linh Nguyen, Tammie Shered, and Alderman Andre Powell, students headed to the voting booths to cast their votes and then submit their ballots, staffed by community
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volunteers Anikka Martin, Sally Stotlar, and Carly Hyland from the Target Distribution Center. A Special shout-out to 5th Grade Teacher Dominque Yackley, who not only organized the mock election but also created the unit’s instruction plans.
The Barb Wire Notable News Northern Illinois University student-athletes and Victor E. Huskie were up bright and early on the first day back from winter break to greet Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary students and help kick-off the start the the new year and semester. They brought the energy and smiles soon followed.
Marion Knieling (right) with award nominator Nicole Maxwell.
Marion Knieling was recognized with the Region 2 Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) Trailblazer award. This award is for exemplary special education administrators in their first five years of service.
The district was the recipient of an Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education Mini-Grant to purchase a greenhouse for the Beyond One Barb Transition Center. Students enjoy the greenhouse during the warmer weather as a peaceful and serene setting. It’s a relaxation area and a place to get their hands dirty; planting seedlings for the upcoming gardening season or transplanting one of the many plant cuttings that they have acquired.
Congratulations to Secondary Humanities Manager Elizabeth Zimmerman and Multilingual Sciences Teacher Rebecca Powers at DeKalb High School, on the successful completion of their doctoral programs from Judson University and Northern Illinois University, respectively. Dr. Zimmerman’s area of concentration is Literacy Education, Elizabeth and Dr. Powers’ concentration is Zimmerman Curriculum and Instruction.
Rebecca Powers
DeKalb High School students showed off their skills with a “Chopped” inspired cookoff hosted by OrganicLife, which provided students with experience in a professional commercial kitchen. The judges included Head Chef Lynne, Superintendent Dr. Minerva Garcia-Sanchez, Student Board of Education representative Jenna Zimmerman, DHS Principal Dr. Donna Larson, and Business & Finance Director Armir Doka. Competition was fierce among the three teams, but in the end, Isaac Martinez and Hunter Kaelin (pictured above) for Team 3 emerged victorious with their tangy BBQ chicken creation, named ‘The Chuck.’ The judges weren’t the only ones to enjoy the creations. All three pizzas were featured on the DHS menu. Along with ‘The Chuck,’ the ‘Jalapeno Popper’ from Team 2 (Molly Kraft and Liv Woodruff), and ‘Meat Lovers Delight’ from Team 1 (Salem Massey and Chole Hill). DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 n 2024-2025 Annual Report 17
The Barb Wire Notable News DeKalb CUSD 428 submitted and received a DeKalb County Community Foundation Community Needs Grant for $4,500 to help supply classrooms with SEL resources. Since November 2025, more than 60 of the District’s K-2 classrooms have implemented SEL tools such as calming corners and tool kits. Classes using these resources report significantly fewer referrals than classrooms not implementing similar practices. For example, a second-grade class using a calming tent and kits consistently since the beginning of the school year reports nine behavior referrals year-to-date compared to 17 referrals from a similar second-grade classroom without consistent practices.
D428 was honored to be the recipient of a generous $4,000 donation by Brian Bemis Toyota of DeKalb as part of the Northern Illinois University Spring Showcase! These funds will go directly to support students in the Beyond One Barb Transition Center. Opened in January, the new BOBTC provides personalized services and resources to our 18-22 young adults with developmental disabilities to achieve greater self-sufficiency, confidence, and a sense of belonging in our community. Thank you to Brian Bemis Toyota for being a champion for D428 our students. With the opening of this amazing new learning space, the team is excited to use these funds to further support the needs of its students.
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Principal Melanie Bickley at Jefferson Elementary School received a big surprise on National School Principals Day. Not only did the students bring her gifts, songs, and artwork, but she also learned that she is the winner of the Administrator of the Year Award from the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD). Physical Education teacher Kelly Zerby nominated Mrs. Bickley, lauding her support for P.E. programs: “She is also an advocate here at Jefferson for students attending PE every day and understands the importance of movement for all children.” Congratulations to Principal Bickley, and a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all of our D428 School Principals for their hard work and dedication to our students and families.
About District 428
ADMINISTRATION
• Minerva Garcia-Sanchez, Ed.D., Superintendent • Ben Bayle, Director of Technology • Lisa Davidson Becker, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Student Services • Tammy Carson, Director of Facility & Safety Operations • Armir Doka, Director of Business & Finance, CSBO • Kyle Gerdes, Director of Student & Family Services • Billy Hueramo, Director of Teaching & Learning (PK-5) • Sarah Montgomery, Director of Teaching & Learning (6-12) • Amonaquenette Parker, Ed.D., Director of Improvement & Innovation • Deetra Sallis, Director of Human Resources
BOARD OF EDUCATION
• Christopher Boyes, President (2022-2027) • Jose Jaques, Vice President (2025-2029) • Steve Byers, Secretary (2022-2027) • Vanta Bynum (2022-2027) • Nicholas Atwood, J.D., (2025-2029) • Kristin Bailey, Ph.D., (2025-2029) • Mark Charvat, (2025-2027)
PROGRAM COORDINATORS/ MANAGERS
• Amy ‘A.J.’ Crook, Multilingual Program Coordinator • Jessica Nall, Ed.D., Assessments Coordinator • Jill Springer, Elementary Humanities Manager • Sarah Schaefer, Elementary STEAM Manager • Elizabeth Zimmerman, Ph.D., Secondary Humanities Manager • Amy Brodkorb, Secondary STEAM Manager • Andrew Langlois, Data Strategist Coordinator • Katheryne Russell, Student Services Coordinator • Nicole Maxwell, Student Services Coordinator • Marion Knieling, Student Services Coordinator • Jackie Kirchmann, Student Services Coordinator • Sara Bates, Social Emotional Learning Coordinator • Stephanie Condon, BSN, RN, PEL-NCSN, Health Services Manager
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
• Everlena Smith, District Transportation Manager, 815-754-2199 • First Student – Tina Schroeder, Branch Manager, 815-748-2901
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
• Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC) – Tom Crouch, Director, 815-825-2000 • Menta Academy – Jason Kudelka, 630-907-2400
FOOD SERVICE
• Mike Chamness, District Food Services Manager • Connor Arteaga, OrganicLife District Manager • Angela Moore, Student Records/Fees, Payments, 815-754-2162
SCHOOL – BUILDING ADMINISTRATORS
Early Learning Development Center 815-754-2999 1515 S. Fourth Street, Door 31, DeKalb • Shannon Armstrong, Principal Enrollment: 366 Brooks Elementary, 815-754-9936 3225 Sangamon Rd., DeKalb • Donna Henry, Ed.D., Principal • Lori Hermann, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 316 Cortland Elementary, 815-754-2360 370 E. Lexington Ave., Cortland • Jennifer Hilliard, Principal • Melissa Yu, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 506 Founders Elementary, 815-754-3800 821 S. Seventh Street, DeKalb • Elizabeth Richardi, Principal • Barzeen Vaziri, Assistant Principal • Surray Williams, Dean Enrollment: 558 Jefferson Elementary, 815-754-2263 211 McCormaick Dr., DeKalb • Melanie Bickley, Principal • Rhonda Crandall, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 298
Lincoln Elementary, 815-754-2212 220 E. Sunset Place, DeKalb • Jennifer Tallitsch, Principal • Ben Erickson, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 294 Littlejohn Elementary, 815-754-2258 1133 N. 13th Street, DeKalb • Laura Young, Principal • Zack Price, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 388 Malta Elementary, 815-754-2970 5068 State Rte. 38, Malta • Kristine Baccheschi, Principal • Stephanie Henkel, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 295 Mitchell Elementary, 815-754-8100 • Maurice MdDavid, Principal • DeLandon Mason, Assistant Principal • Jane Muetterties, Dean Tyler Elementary, 815-754-2389 1021 Alden Circle, DeKalb • Candice Coleman, Principal • Larry Smith, Assistant Principal Enrollment: 280 Clinton Rosette Middle School, 815-754-2226 650 N. First Street, DeKalb • Brant Boyer, Principal • Nacolia Stallings, Assistant Principal • Brenda DeLacey, Dean • Tom Slater, Dean Enrollment: 625 Huntley Middle School, 815-754-2241 1515 S. Fourth Street, DeKalb • Treveda Shah, Ed.D., Principal • Sean Chamberlain, Assistant Principal • Amy Sayed, Assistant Principal • Tammy Cox, Dean Enrollment: 1,081 DeKalb High School, 815-754-2100 501 W. Dresser Rd., DeKalb • Donna Larson, Ed.D., Principal • Sara Jennings, Ed.D., Assistant Principal • Rick Davis, Assistant Principal • Elise Maliszewski, Dean • Aaron Lewandowski, Dean • David Laben, Dean • Stephanie Walters, Dean • Peter Goff, Director of Activities & Athletics Enrollment: 1,831
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901 S. Fourth Street DeKalb, IL 60115 Phone: 815-754-2350 En Espanol: 815-754-2102 Fax: 815-758-6933 Website: d428.org