As the 2017-18 school year draws to a close, District 64 is celebrating career milestones of 38 teachers and staff members.
District 64 announced the retirements of 21 staff members, including three with more than 30 years of service to District 64.
“Saying good-bye to talented veterans who have dedicated their time and talent to making District 64 a District in which children are engaged learners is never easy,” according to Superintendent Laurie Heinz. “This year, as we say goodbye to a dedicated group of educators and staff members, we extend a heartfelt thank you for their years of service and devotion to our students, schools and their colleagues. On behalf of the Board and my administrative team, I wish them health, happiness and laughter as they begin their retirement journey,” Dr. Heinz added.
District 64 also honored eight staff members who have attained 25 years of service, including one who is also retiring.
In addition, Board of Education members at the May 21, 2018 meeting honored 10 teachers who achieved tenure. According to the Illinois School Code, a teacher is considered probationary for the first four years they work full-time in a district.
“We strive to attract and retain high quality educators who will work to ensure all students reach their fullest potential,” Dr. Heinz pointed out. “Through our rigorous evaluation process, ongoing mentoring, informal classroom visits and formal observations conducted throughout a four-year probationary period, these teachers have demonstrated that they meet District 64’s high expectations for instructional rigor, advocacy for students, and professionalism, and we couldn’t be more proud to welcome them to our tenured staff ranks,” she announced.
Staff members honored this year include:
Carpenter School
- Susan Douglass – retirement, 3rd grade teacher, 22 years of service to District 64
- Lisa Gray – retirement, 1st grade teacher, 34 years of service to District 64
- Joan Hoffman – tenure, 3rd grade teacher
- Suzanne Stevens – retirement, 3rd grade teacher, 20 years of service to District 64
Educational Service Center (ESC)
- John Borst – retirement, District Maintenance Department, 38 years of service to District 64
- Jane Boyd – retirement (December 2017), Director of Student Services, 3 ½ years of service to District 64
- Dr. Anthony Clishem – retirement, Curriculum Specialist for science, social studies and health, 29 years of service to District 64
- Vince Pagano – 25 years of service, District Maintenance Department
- Madelyn Wsol – retirement, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, 22 years of service to District 64
Emerson Middle School
- Jessica Caplis – tenure, math intervention teacher (shared with Lincoln)
- Jessica Flores – tenure, social studies teacher
- Susan Glines – retirement, language arts and social studies teacher, 18 years of service to District 64
- Barbara Harsch – retirement, social worker, 21 years of service to District 64
- Elizabeth Rihtar – tenure, Instructional Technology Coach
Field School
- Linda Hill – retirement, instructional resource teacher assistant, 19 years of service to District 64
- Patricia Kisielius – retirement (January 2018), Learning Resource Center teacher assistant, 26.5 years of service to District 64
- Angela Krischon – tenure, English Learner teacher
Franklin School
- Susan Miller – retirement, 3rd grade teacher, 10 years of service to District 64
- Laura Rousakis – tenure, kindergarten teacher
- Julie Vukmarkaj – tenure, 2nd grade teacher
Lincoln Middle School
- Dale Haase – retirement, physical education teacher, 28 years of service to District 64
- Max Hellermann – tenure, instrumental music teacher
- Maureen Lones – retirement, physical education teacher, 20 years of service to District 64
- Tami Nardi – retirement, music teacher, 35 years of service to District 64
- Megan Preis – tenure, Instructional Technology Coach
- Dieter Prim – 25 years of service, head custodian
- Carol Rickert – 25 years of service and retirement, school secretary
- Regina Schmidt – 25 years of service, family and consumer science teacher
Jefferson School
- Charlotte Franzen – retirement, special needs teacher assistant, 18 years of service to District 64
- Mary Hallerduff – tenure, Special Education teacher
- Pam Jachino – retirement, school secretary, 18 years of service to District 64
- Nancy Jensen – 25 years of service, speech language pathologist teacher
- Diane Kravets – retirement, special needs teacher assistant, 17 years of service to District 64
- Jacqueline Tsevis – 25 years of service, extended day teacher assistant
Washington School
- Kelly Amelse – retirement, 2nd grade teacher, 33 years of service to District 64
- Julie Hamilton – 25 years of service, speech language pathologist
- Nancy Novak – retirement, instructional resource teacher assistant, 24 years of service to District 64
- Krista Weil – 25 years of service, 2nd grade teacher
No staff members at Roosevelt School are reaching milestones this year.