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.

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