The Board of Education establishes a vision for the community’s schools that reflects a consensus of the board, community, and district staff. The school board has a wide variety of additional responsibilities, including, but not limited to, adopting a balanced annual budget, adopting the school calendar, negotiating contracts with employee unions, and approving curriculum programs. Some questions the school board asks when determining this vision include:

What philosophy of education do we want our local schools to have?
What should our students know and be able to do when they graduate?
How can schools best educate students who come from diverse backgrounds?

The District 33 Board of Education has a priority of maintaining two-way communication with its stakeholders. District 33 Board Members “adopt” a school for periodic visits and chats. This gives them increased opportunities for face-to-face contact with students, teachers, and parents. Listed below are our board members and their adopted school for the current school year. Additionally, District 33 Board of Education members actively participate in District 33 by serving on various District committees.

People who want to contact the Board via email can do so by sending a message to [email protected] which is the address for the entire group.

Meet the Board of Education

Rita Balgeman
President
[email protected]

First Elected: 2019
Re-Elected: 2023
Term Expires: 2027

24/25  Adopted Schools: Gary 

Morgan Banasiak
Vice President
[email protected]

First Elected: 2021
Term Expires: 2025

24/25 Adopted Schools: LMS

Tom Doyle
Secretary
[email protected]

First Elected: 2019
Re-Elected 2023
Term Expires: 2027

24/25 Adopted School: Indian Knoll

Felicia Gills
Member
[email protected]

First Elected: 2021
Term Expires: 2025

24/25 Adopted School: Turner

Janette Hernandez
Member
[email protected]

First Elected: 2023
Term Expires: 2027

24/25 Adopted School: Preschool 

Chad McLean
Member
[email protected]

First Elected: 2017
Term Expires: 2025

24/25 Adopted School: Wegner

Sandra Garcia
Member
[email protected]

First Elected: 2021
Term Expires: 2025

24/25 Adopted School: Currier

Shared Agreements

• Make decisions according to what is best for ALL District 33 students.
• Respect staff and other board members and their opinions.
• Be willing to see things from the eyes of seven (7) people, not just one (1).
• Allow everyone to complete their thoughts.
• Commit to shared leadership.
• Respect confidentiality.
• Adhere to our belief in our students' full potential and successful future. 

(Revised November 6, 2014)

Board Salutes

The Board of Education would like to recognize individuals of the District 33 community - which includes all staff members, students, bus drivers, parents/guardians, and guardians - for actions that build a positive culture and climate in District 33.

This "shout-out" will take place at Board meetings as an agenda item called "Board Salute" and will become part of the official minutes.

If you know someone who deserves a "Board Salute," please complete this form.

February 6, 2025

This Board Salute goes to Ms. Yunaisy Siverio, Paraprofessional, at Gary School.

"We want to recognize Ms. Yunaisy Siverio's dedication to District 33 and Gary's students. As a paraprofessional, she consistently goes above and beyond to support students with their specific needs and build meaningful relationships with them that motivate them to do their best. In addition to her unwavering support for the students, she is a colleague everyone can count on. She always has something to give to others, whether it’s a helping hand, a word of encouragement, or a joke to make you laugh. 

In Miss Brandt’s fourth-grade classroom, the students greet her excitedly when she enters every single day. At any given time, Yuni supports up to five students with their classwork, helping them shine with their strengths and strategically supporting their areas for growth. As one fourth grader who has known her since Kindergarten says: “I learned to read from Miss Yuni. Reading is very important.” She has a truly special ability to make a lasting impact on all the students she works with. 

In Miss Caballero’s classroom, the students look forward to seeing Miss Yuni and know they can ask for help with all kinds of tasks. Yuni has created a relationship with all the students, but with one student in particular, she has a great bond, and this student looks for her when he struggles to get regulated. Miss Yuni is his comfort, and he always greets her with a big smile. 

Our classes are thankful for the endless amount of support she has provided academically and emotionally. She deserves to be recognized for her hard work and dedication to the students, staff, and families of Gary Elementary."

~ Lilla Brandt and Viannett Caballero, Teachers, Gary School

This Board Salute goes to Senator Karina Villa.

"On behalf of the Board and administration, we salute State Senator Karina Villa for her unwavering commitment to our schools. Over the past decade, Senator Villa has served in our community in numerous capacities, with our students and families always at the forefront of her mind. In 2018, while serving as our state representative, Senator Villa secured over a million dollars to renovate all of our playgrounds. To honor her contribution, we will be installing plaques at each playground recognizing the children and families of West Chicago.  Most recently, Senator Villa was instrumental in acquiring  $925,000 in funding to restore McAuley School in order to increase access to educational programming for our families. McAuley School was formerly part of District 27 and the last fully functioning one-room schoolhouse in Illinois. In 1982, the school was added to the National Registry of Historic Places and annexed to West Chicago in 1992. It was then that District 33 acquired the land to be used for educational and community purposes. For many years, McAuley sat vacant while the district rented space throughout the community to provide educational programming to families in our early childhood program. Due to Senator Villa’s efforts, we are excited to announce the restoration timeline of McAuley School, which will become an Early Childhood Family and Community Education Center. We are incredibly grateful for State Senator Villa’s advocacy and proudly salute her tonight."

This Board Salute goes to State Representative Maura Hirschauer.

"On behalf of the Board and administration, we salute State Representative Maura Hirschauer for her tremendous support in expanding extracurriculars, clubs, and sports activities for District 33 students. After-school programs are vital in supporting students' social, emotional, and academic development. Further, they reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide children with a safe and supportive environment. Through State Representative Hirschauer’s advocacy, District 33 received $500,000.00 in financial support to expand its after-school programming with additional staffing for academic support, sports equipment such as basketball nets and soccer goals, and new uniforms. This has not only expanded programming but instilled pride in our students who participate in these programs. In addition, this funding has made it possible for the District to begin planning for a soccer and football field, which will further expand programming for its students. State Senator Maura Hirshauer, we thank you for your support of our school community. "

January 23, 2025

This board salute goes to Lisa Burger, a kindergarten teacher at Wegner School. 

"Mrs. Burger truly goes above and beyond, she creates a positive impact on students, staff, and the entire district community at Wegner School. She supports all students and lends a hand throughout the school—whether in the hallway or during student pickup. Mrs.Burger handles every interaction with care, even in challenging situations. We are incredibly fortunate to have her at Wegner School."

~ Dell Agha Sultani, Parent, Wegner School 

This board salute goes to Julie Garcia, a 2nd-grade teacher at Wegner School. 

"Mrs. Garcia truly goes above and beyond for all students at Wegner School. As a second-grade teacher, she supports her students, and she is very active with parents communicating via Parents Square. She also lends a hand throughout the school—whether in the hallway or during recess. Mrs. Julie handles every interaction with care, even in challenging situations. We are incredibly fortunate to have her at Wegner School."

~ Dell Agha Sultani, Parent, Wegner School 

January 9, 2025 

This board salute goes to the Pioneer Preschool Self-Contained Paraprofessional Team: Iza Orozco, Maria Cielo, Monica Alanis, Silvia Snell, Marisol Marquez, Maria Pacheco, Lupe Castillo.

“The Pioneer Preschool self-contained paraprofessional team consistently goes above and beyond in their dedication to the students they support. In addition to assisting in their own classrooms, they also provide valuable support in other self-contained and general education classrooms within the preschool program. Each paraprofessional is fully aware of the unique plans for not only their own students but for those in other classrooms as well. The team is always ready to lend a helping hand, deeply invested in seeing every student succeed and treating them as their own. Our classrooms would not run as smoothly without their expertise and commitment, ensuring that students remain engaged, safe, and supported throughout the program.”

~ Jennifer Brackmann, Teacher, Pioneer Preschool

This board salute goes to the Department for Partnerships Team & Community Partners.

I would like to recognize the outstanding dedication and hard work of D33’s Community School Administrators and Family Liaisons for making the holidays truly special for our students and their families. The Department of Partnerships team successfully coordinated and participated in six separate holiday gift and meal programs throughout November and December, ensuring that our families received support during this meaningful time of year.

Our exceptional Community School Administrators, Tiffany Posey, and Penny Munoz, led the effort by working directly with community partners to organize the logistics of these programs. Their leadership and commitment were instrumental in making these initiatives a success. Additionally, the preschool through 8th grade Family Liaison team, including Martha Camarillo, Tanya Sierocuk, Gloria Cardenas, Natalie Cabral, Ricardo Dominguez, Luciana Poulterer, Maria Partida, Emely Garcia, Liz Soto, Nathaly Franco, and Maribel Rivera, played a crucial role in identifying and delivering gifts to students and their families with great care and efficiency. Thank you all for your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication. 

Here are a few highlights from this year's distributions.

• 50 families received Thanksgiving meals in partnership with International Christian Fellowship Church

• WeGo Together for Kids provided 150 coats for students plus 150 for family members. FLs hand-delivered them. 

• 130 hand-selected students received multiple gifts and stocking stuffers from the Humanitarian Service Project. 

• 56 Pioneer preschool students received multiple presents, stocking stuffers, gift cards, and books from the Highland Hills Program

• 515 students received two gifts and stocking stuffers from Toys for Tots (150 B-3 students, 365 PreK)

• 360 preschool students received gifts and new winter coats and gear from Mutual of Omaha Mortgage

In addition to these programs, our team connected families to other giving programs in the community, such as the annual Puente del Pueblo Christmas Store. 

I also want to recognize our amazing community partners' generosity and continued commitment to D33 students and families. Thank you all for making the holidays more magical for so many of our families.

~Sarah Norton, Director of Partnerships 

December 5, 2024

This board salute goes to Emily Prowell, Teacher, Pioneer Preschool 

“Emily has jumped into our preschool program as a first-year self-contained teacher. Her positive attitude and effortless flexibility have been so amazing to watch and see how much progress our students are making. She takes on new challenges with the confidence most veteran teachers strive for. She works collaboratively with her team, where everyone feels confident in their role within the class. She's a delight to work with and is going to be a leader in our program!”

~ JoBeth Wilson, Social Worker, Pioneer Preschool 

November 21, 2024

This board salute goes to Jose Correa, Paraeducator, Indian Knoll

“Mr. Jose truly goes above and beyond for all students at Indian Knoll. As a paraprofessional in a self-contained classroom, he supports his students and lends a hand throughout the school—whether in the hallway, at lunch, or during recess. His bilingual skills are invaluable for translating between students and teachers. Kind, patient, and respectful, Mr. Jose handles every interaction with care, even in challenging situations. Plus, he’s pursuing his teaching certification! We are incredibly fortunate to have him at Indian Knoll.”

~ Robyn Kimmel, Music Teacher, Indian Knoll  

November 7, 2024

This board salute goes to Silvia Carrasco, Family Liaison, Birth to Three Program.

“I’d like to take a moment to give a heartfelt shout-out to Silvia Carrasco. She truly cares about our families, and many stay in touch even after leaving the program, highlighting the deep bonds she creates. Silvia is kind, understanding, and incredibly patient. She goes above and beyond to accommodate the families she works with. In one instance, recognizing how much a particular family would benefit from the program, she met with them on Saturdays twice a month when weekdays were challenging for their schedule.

She’s always ready to help the Birth to Three program implement strategies from the curriculum, and her dedication to our community is inspiring. With over 20 years of service, Silvia is an outstanding family liaison, and we are lucky to have her! Thank you, Silvia, for all that you do!”

~ Esther Romo-Ortiz, Family Liaison, Birth to Three Program

October 17, 2024

This board salute goes to Brett Jacobson, Social Worker, Leman Middle School. 

“Brett is a social worker at Leman Middle School.  His primary focus is on supporting students who have behavior concerns and may need to take a "pause" from their regular school day and think about more appropriate behavior.  However, Brett jumped into completely unknown territory for the past month and supported Wegner students struggling with a new school year.  When Maggie Lay and I first approached Brett about helping out at Wegner, he was very upfront about his experience of only being with older students. He acknowledged that his toolbox for supporting kindergarten students wasn't quite full, but he was more than willing to go where needed.  Brett spent a month at Wegner, every day, learning more and more about kindergarten and 1st grade.  From the first day, he jumped in and found ways to connect with students and staff.  Brett went “Above and Beyond” to support Wegner, and we couldn't be more appreciative of his willingness to go where he is most needed.”

~ Sherri Massa, Director of Student Services

October 3, 2024

This board salute goes to the Technology Team.

“Today, I’m honored to take a moment to recognize the incredible work and dedication of our Tech Department. The D33 Tech Team consists of Daisy Fernandez, Debra Foreman, Debbie Fouts, Eddie Fuentes, Emmanuel Ortiz, Raymond Snowden, Leo Toxtel, and Michael Webster. In our ever-evolving landscape, the tech team has been the backbone of our success, navigating challenges with expertise and innovation.

Their work every day and especially during the summer and start of the school year has been nothing short of outstanding. From solving complex problems to implementing cutting-edge solutions, they’ve demonstrated a level of skill and commitment that truly sets them apart.

It’s not just about the big wins, though. The countless hours of troubleshooting, the seamless integration of new systems and equipment, and the constant support they provide have a profound impact on our daily operations. Their resilience, creativity, and collaborative spirit are key reasons we continue to thrive.

These accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and ingenuity. But beyond the tangible results, it’s the dedication and passion of each member that truly makes a difference. The D33 Tech Department exemplifies what it means to be a committed and collaborative team.

To the entire team: thank you. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. Your skills are critical to our success, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible and keep driving forward with the same enthusiasm and excellence."

~ Matt Ryan, Director of Technology

September 5, 2024

This board salute goes to Emily Hernandez, Teacher, Turner Elementary School.

“Emily Hernandez was instrumental to our Summer School program’s success this year. She effectively communicated with students, staff, families, and district administrators, ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment. Many staff members wanted the program to continue, and 100% of families found the experience enjoyable, with 91% expressing interest in enrolling their children again next year. This success is a testament to Ms. Hernandez’s leadership skills. We appreciate her dedication to our staff, students, and families.”

~ Jenny Brunke, Assistant Director for Teaching & Learning

This board salute goes to Arturo Arvizu, Instructional Coach, Wegner Elementary School.

“Arturo Arvizu was instrumental in making Kinder Camp a great experience for students and families. His communication with families, staff, and district administrators was timely and effective. Feedback from parents highlighted the camp’s organization and their children’s clear understanding of daily activities. Many families were excited about the upcoming school year and wished Kinder Camp could be longer. Arturo's leadership was essential to this success. We greatly appreciate his dedication to our staff, students, and families.”

~ Jenny Brunke, Assistant Director for Teaching & Learning