Highlights from the December 16, 2025 Board of Education Meeting
Spotlight and Recognitions
Individual Cross Country State Champion Recognition- Karlin Janowski
The Board of Education proudly recognized Karlin Janowski for recently becoming the Individual Cross Country State Champion!
Individual Girls Tennis State Champion Recognition- CJ Coan
The Board of Education proudly recognized and celebrated CJ Coan for recently becoming the Individual GIrls Tennis State Champion.
Cross Country Team – 3rd Place State Recognition
The Board of Education proudly recognized the Girls Cross Country Team for receiving third place at the 2025 IHSA Class 3A State Meet.
Girls 200 Medley Relay – 3rd Place State Recognition
The Board of education celebrated and recognized the Girls Swim and Dive teamfor recently placing 3rd in in State at the Girls 200 Medley Relay
IHSA Sectional Coach of the Year- Megan Jensen
The Board of Education recognized and congratulated Girls Swim Coach Megan Jensen for being chosen by her fellow head coaches to be the IHSA GIrls Swim Sectional Coach of the Year.
2024/25 IHSA Football Coach (11 Player) of the Year- Don Gelsomino
The Board of Education recognized Head Football Coach Don Gelsomino for being chosen by the Illinois High School Association as the 2024-2025 Boys Football (11-Player) Coach of the Year.
Madison Early Childhood School Spotlight
Madison ECC Principal Dr. Susan Condrat and Assistant Principal Ms. Melissa Ksepko shared a presentation about Madison ECC's work in alignment with the District 205 Learning Environment Priority Objective: Create welcoming, affirming, and engaging learning environments
Jackson Elementary School Spotlight
Jackson Elementary School Principal Dr. Krista Rajanen shared a presentation about How Jackson brings ELA to life in their school, socratic seminars, extending learning outside of the school and the joy in learning beyond the classroom at Jackson Elementary School.
Public Hearing, Action and Consent Items
Public Hearing and Adoption of 2025 Levy Certificate
The Board of Education approved the Resolution Certificate of 2025 tax levy, following the Public Hearing and a presentation by the District Administration recapping the multiple factors that are taken into consideration including a 2.9% CPI. District 205 continues to maintain high-quality programs and facilities while holding the lowest tax rate among comparable districts. The Board of Education approved the 2025 Estimated Levy and set a hearing date for December 16, 2025.
Approval of PTA Fundraising Plans 2025-26
The Board of Education approved the 2025-26 requests from the Parent Teacher Associations for funding requests in schools. accordance with Policy 8:80, Gifts to the District, the School Board accepts gifts from any education foundation or other entity or individuals. All gifts must adhere to the items listed in Policy 8:80, and “upon acceptance, all gifts become the District’s property. The acceptance of a gift is not an endorsement by the Board, District, or school of any product, service, activity, or program.”
Superintendent's Communication & Communications Highlight
Student Teacher & Field Experiences
This year, D205 has seen significant growth in our partnerships with local universities, resulting in a strong increase in student teachers and field experience placements across the district—most notably at York High School. Districtwide, we have secured 9 student teachers and 6 field experience students at the early childhood and elementary levels, 3 student teachers and 2 field experience students at the middle schools, and an impressive 5 student teachers and 11 field experience placements at York High School.
Two accomplishments are especially noteworthy. First, we are proud to welcome four Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) student teachers and one SLP field experience student, expanding opportunities in a high-need area. Second, York High School has increased its total number of student teachers and field experience placements by 55% in just one school year, reflecting strong collaboration between our district and partner institutions.
We extend our deep appreciation to the dedicated D205 certified staff members who open their classrooms, mentor aspiring educators, and play a vital role in shaping the next generation of teachers and specialists.
In doing so, our staff show commitment to the profession and future educators that will undoubtedly service schools both inside and outside District 205.
Save the Date: Kindergarten Family Information Night 26/27 Registration
The annual Kindergarten Family Information Night will be held this year on January 26th in Churchville Middle School’s auditorium. We look forward to welcoming all of the new families to District 205 as we share information on what they can expect for their students throughout their journey of excellence in D205.
Rising Academic Nights and 25-26 Elementary to Middle School SERG Parent Articulation Night for Students with IEPs
Earlier this month, our schools began offering a series of transition events designed to support students and families as they move into the next phase of their educational journey. Beginning this winter and continuing into the spring, this coordinated set of activities will help guide families through key grade-level transitions, including Pre-K to Kindergarten, fifth to sixth grade, and eighth to ninth grade. These activities are aligned with our strategic plan and designed to help students feel confident, connected, and ready for the next step.
We are grateful to partner with SERG to ensure the experiences of students with disabilities are fully supported throughout this process. Families will receive clear information about academic expectations, student services, extracurricular opportunities, and the resources available to assist during the transition.
Community Connections Newsletter
The 14th Edition of the Community Connections newsletter has begun to arrive in mailboxes! We are excited to share the stories in this newsletter which include a recap of the D205 budget, an interview with students and staff about InquirEd and how it is transforming social studies across grades K-6 in D205, a recap of our State Report Card and the State of the District event as well a celebration of this edition’s Excellent Educator, Nicole Noverini a fourth grade teacher from Jackson and a safe the date for the 2026 Foundation 205 showcase fundraiser on February 7th. We hope you enjoy the inside look into D205 through both the written stories and by scanning the QR codes to watch the videos that bring the stories to life!
Understanding Math Pathways in D205 - Webinar for Families, Grades 5-7
On Thursday, December 3rd, parents of 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade students attended a webinar about middle and high school math pathways. During the event, Director of STEM Pathways Dave Beedy provided a comprehensive overview of:
The differences between Accelerated and Regular Math in 6th grade.
How these pathways progress through middle school and all the way to York High School.
Key factors and considerations for families when making this important decision.
General information on the various math opportunities available to our students.
Here is the link to the webinar and the slides.
D205 Parent Education Series
I am excited to announce the next speaker in our D205 Parent Education Series. On January 27th at 6PM in the Churchville Auditorium, Dr. Laura Koehler will be joining us for a presentation entitled Understanding Anxiety - Strategies to Support Your Child.
During this presentation Dr. Koehler will share information about:
Signs of youth anxiety
How to respond without reinforcing avoidance
Tools that build resilience—not just relief
Dr. Koehler is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in School-Aged Anxiety & Behavioral Health. She brings over a decade of experience supporting children, teens, and families through anxiety, school refusal, panic, and life stressors and holds both master’s and doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology.
Community Connections: InquireEd Transformation