Board Preview: July 13 Regular Board Meeting

BOARD PREVIEW 7/13/2026 Board of Education Regular Meeting The District 58 Board of Education will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026 at the Downers Grove Civic Center, 850 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, IL 60515 at 7 p.m. The public may also view the meeting remotely, via the Village of Downers Grove’s YouTube account.  Board Meeting Agenda The agenda includes: Superintendent and Monthly Business Reports SASED update Discussion on School Closures and E-Learning A recommendation to approve meeting minutes for the 6/8/26 Regular Meeting A recommendation to approve the 2026-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement with Downers Grove Custodial Maintenance Association A recommendation to approve Resolution Ratifying Proposed Amendments to the SASED Joint Articles of Agreement A recommendation to approve Food Service Contract: Whitsons A recommendation to approve PPO Network Provider and Pharmacy Benefit Manager: Blue Cross Blue Shield. A recommendation to approve the 2026-2027 Board of Education Meeting Calendar A recommendation to approve Potential 2026-2027 School Calendar Amendment re Election Day (Nov. 3, 2026) View more information about these topics and all Board meeting topics in the Board agenda at https://dg58.us/BOE_Agendas. Public Participation How to make a public comment during the meeting: The Board encourages public comment from the community. There will be an opportunity for in-person visitors to make a public comment. Members of the public may communicate with the Board at any time by emailing boe@dg58.org.   Stay Connected District 58 communications are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe to District 58 Publications Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for publications at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

Friday, Jul 10 2026

Board Briefs: June 8, 2026 Regular Meeting

June 8, 2026 Regular Meeting The District 58 Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the Downers Grove Civic Center. District 58 Board of Education members are: Darren Hughes, president; Kirat Doshi, vice president; Nicole Bernard, Melissa Ellis, Emily Hanus, Steven Olczyk and Katie Thomas, with Dr. Kevin Russell, superintendent; and Melissa Jerves, board secretary. VIEW MEETING AGENDA VIEW RECORDED MEETING The recording will be published on District 58's YouTube page once available, typically within one week of the meeting. Amended 2025-26 Budget Public Hearing and Approval Assistant Superintendent for Business/CSBO Dr. Gregory Harris led a public hearing on the proposed 2025-26 Amended Budget. Key points included: District proposed to amend its 2025-26 Budget to reflect the transfer of arbitrage funds from the referendum fund to an operating fund, as well as a minor formatting error in the original budget. The arbitrage profit is not due to the IRS until early 2028, and the District leveraged those funds in the current fiscal year to help manage cash flow issues. There was one public comment during the budget hearing regarding the District’s long-term budgeting strategy and some board discussion in response.  The District historically faces cash flow challenges in the spring due to the timing of when property taxes are received (mainly in September and June). With diminished fund balances, this challenge creates concerns about meeting operational obligations, including accounts payable and payroll that must be managed. An arbitrage transfer completed in December helped stabilize District finances, and the budget is being amended to reflect the transfer. The Financial Advisory Committee continues to explore long-term financial solutions, as state revenue appears to be increasingly unreliable. The arbitrage transfer provides additional time for the District to work with governing bodies on a sustainable funding strategy while strengthening fund balances and supporting financial stability. District leadership remains focused on avoiding deficit spending and maintaining the District's long-term financial health. Later in the meeting, the Board approved the Amended Budget. Spotlight on Our Schools Spring Data Snapshot VIEW PRESENTATION Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Mrs. Elizabeth Ehrhart shared an update on Spring student assessment data: Key points included: The Board reviewed a data snapshot of the District’s 2025-26 MAP assessment results. A final analysis of the 2025-2026 school year data will be presented in the fall after 2025 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) scores are available. Overall, District 58 students achieved expected growth in both math and reading, with the exception of Herrick math, which had lower than expected growth despite showing stronger growth than the previous year. All grade levels at all schools met expected growth targets. The percentage of students meeting benchmark increased in math and reading at all schools and all grade levels. Nearly all student subgroups achieved expected growth. School improvement plans will continue to focus on supporting student subgroups.  District and school teams will use assessment data to guide instruction and support student achievement and growth. The Board also reviewed staff feedback on Professional Learning Mondays (PLMs). Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the Board later approved continuing PLMs and Monday early-release days for the 2026-27 school year. Spotlight on Our Schools School Environment and Communication Survey Data VIEW PRESENTATION Community Relations Coordinator Mrs. Julie Relihan shared an update on results from District 58’s 2026 School Environment Survey and 2026 Communication Satisfaction and Preferences Survey. Key points included: The Board reviewed results from the 2026 School Environment Survey, which remained consistent with prior years and reflected continued high levels of satisfaction with District 58 schools. Ninety percent of parents reported that their child is “always” or “usually” receiving a quality education, indicating strong confidence in our schools. Open-ended feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting appreciation for dedicated teachers, supportive staff, welcoming school environments, and a strong focus on student growth, well-being, and safety. Parents identified continued strengths in communication, supportive learning environments, high-quality staff, curriculum, and community engagement. Suggested areas for improvement were varied, with no dominant theme. Common feedback included curriculum enhancements, improved communication, school climate, technology use, and student behavior supports. District and school leaders will use survey findings to guide school improvement planning and administrative goal-setting. The Board also reviewed results from the 2026 Communication Survey, which were generally consistent with prior years but showed a shift from “strongly agree/agree” responses toward increased selection of the “neutral” category. Overall, 88% of respondents indicated satisfaction with the District’s communication when including neutral responses, and 92% reported satisfaction with ParentSquare. This shift toward “neutral” responses is likely connected to the District’s transition to ParentSquare, now completing the first year of a three-year rollout. It is common to see an implementation dip during the adoption of new systems due to learning curves, skill gaps, and change adaptation. As staff use of ParentSquare increases (beginning with middle schools in 2026-27 and elementary and preschool in 2027-28), comfort and satisfaction with the platform are expected to improve, along with enhanced classroom-to-home communication. Additional survey takeaways indicate a need for increased training and awareness of ParentSquare features to help families and staff fully utilize the platform, improve engagement, and better manage notifications. Communication efforts will also continue to focus on streamlining messaging, prioritizing key information, reducing redundancy, and condensing content across district, school, and PTA communications. All survey results are posted on the District’s website at https://www.dg58.org/surveys. Spotlight on Our Schools Tentative Enrollment and Staffing Update VIEW PRESENTATION Assistant Superintendent for Personnel/Staff Development Mr. Justin Sisul presented a tentative enrollment and staffing update. The District previously shared staffing updates during the May 11 Regular Meeting, March 9 Regular Meeting, December 8 Regular Meeting, as well as budget updates during the January 26 Financial Workshop. Key points included: Consistent with prior years, class sizes will continue to follow the targets established by the 2018-2019 strategic plan working group. The District’s goal is to balance class sizes across schools, keep students in their home school, and maintain strong supports and highly qualified staff in all settings. Targets remain as follows: Grades K–2 will have 80% of classrooms at 24 or fewer students, with family communication provided for classes of 25–27 students and action taken at 28 students, which may include staffing or support adjustments and/or scheduling modifications. Grades 3–8 will have 80% of classrooms at 26 or fewer students, with communication at 27–28 students and action taken at 29 students, including similar interventions as needed. Mr. Sisul reported that the District is on track with projections shared at prior Board meetings. With most returning student registrations complete, tentative middle school master schedules, elementary class sections, and related service and specials schedules have been developed. Additional registrations may still impact staffing and class configurations as enrollment changes and student needs are finalized. Tentative staffing and class configurations for 2026–27 were shared, with some cohorts expected to shift from current-year configurations. Equity and adherence to class size targets remain priorities, with adjustments made as needed based on enrollment thresholds, program and support services. Mr. Sisul emphasized that class size planning is an annual process and that, as in previous years, some grade levels experienced changes in the number of classes or sections based on actual enrollment. He noted that while budget considerations are interconnected with all District decisions, the driving factor behind class size and staffing adjustments is adherence to the District’s established class size targets, not specific budget reductions. The vast majority of classrooms across the District are projected to meet or remain below established class size targets in line with the guidelines. The District will continue to monitor enrollment, class sizes, programming, and student support needs and will make adjustments as necessary before the start of the school year. Ongoing student performance and experience will also be monitored in all classes, and any needs or concerns will be addressed as they arise. Class sizes will remain tentative over the summer due to potential enrollment changes (additions or move-outs). Superintendent's Report Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell shared the following departmental updates: Personnel: Dr. Russell thanked Mr. Sisul for his presentation on tentative class sizes for the upcoming school year and expressed appreciation to families for attending the meeting, noting that their presence reflects a strong shared commitment to student learning. He also appreciated the opportunity to discuss the District’s class size guidelines with the community. Read Dr. Russell’s complete Personnel Report Curriculum and Instruction: Summer School begins next week with approximately 275 students participating. Programming focuses on grade-level math and reading instruction to support student readiness for the upcoming school year, along with “Leap into Kindergarten” for incoming kindergarten students and art enrichment opportunities for grades 2–6. In July, the Board will discuss the future use of e-Learning days in District 58. While the current e-Learning plan remains in place through the 2026–27 school year, the completion of construction provides additional flexibility to evaluate the use of e-Learning moving forward. Finance: Please see the amended budget update (above) and business report (below). Technology: Summer technology work is underway, including completion of an initial review of 8th-grade Chromebooks with repairs beginning soon. Staff is preparing student and staff devices for August, including inspection of collected iPads and setup of new devices for incoming 2nd and 6th grade students. Pending Board approval, 100 new staff devices will also be configured. Special Services: The Extended School Year (ESY) program for participating families begins Friday, June 12. This year’s schedule will run from 8:00–11:00 a.m., a 15-minute adjustment from prior years, to improve traffic flow at Henry Puffer. The change is expected to create a smoother and safer drop-off and dismissal process. Families are encouraged to contact the Special Services office with any questions. Facilities:  School dismisses this week and Phase III elementary summer construction begins next week at Belle Aire, El Sierra and Pierce Downer. Early work was completed ahead of summer to position projects for full construction. Food service construction will begin next week at Whittier, Hillcrest, and Henry Puffer and continue across Phase I and III schools through the summer, with completion targeted before the start of the school year. Public Relations: Please see the School Environment and Communication Survey updates (above). Business Report VIEW PRESENTATION Assistant Superintendent for Business/CSBO Dr. Gregory Harris presented the Board with the monthly business and treasurer’s report.  Key points included: State revenue for special education and transportation is coming in lower than expected due to proration. On the expenditure side, salaries and benefits are trending in the right direction, and savings in purchased services and supplies are helping to offset higher special education tuition costs. Cash flow has improved following a recent property tax deposit, and the District successfully navigated the typical May low point thanks to an influx of $800K from the arbitrage profit. The food service RFP process included multiple proposals and an extensive review, resulting in a recommendation for Whitson’s Culinary Group. The recommendation will be brought to the July Board meeting for approval. Committee Updates Reports on recent committee meetings were shared, including  Financial Advisory Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting. District Leadership Team has not met since the last Board Meeting. Health & Wellness Committee - Board Member Nicole Bernard reported that the committee met with two insurance carriers for employee medical and pharmacy plans and is recommending a switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield due to cost savings and an anticipated smooth transition. The recommendation will be presented at the July Board meeting, with a proposed effective date of January 2027 if approved. Policy Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting. Legislative Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting. Other During the meeting, the Board also heard the following updates: SASED Update: Dr. Russell reported that SASED has paused its transition to the new facility location to ensure member districts have adequate time to have all questions addressed. Public Comments: Several public comments addressed class size concerns at Lester, including increased enrollment in some classrooms and a request to pause planned grade-level configuration changes for the fall. Additional comments on class size were also made by parents from Henry Puffer and Highland. A separate comment was shared regarding the gifted program and curriculum standards. Recommendations for Action VIEW AGENDA AND RELATED DOCUMENTS The Board of Education approved the following recommendations for action: Approved meeting minutes for 5/11/26 Regular Meeting, 5/18/26 Special Meeting and 5/11/26 Closed Session Approved FY2026 Amended Budget Approved Resolution Approving Surety Bond of Treasurer Approved Resolution regarding Reduction in Days and Hours of Full-Time Educational Support Personnel Employees Approved Resolution regarding Reduction in Days and Hours of Part-Time Education Support Personnel Employees Approved Resolution regarding Honorable Dismissal of Educational Support Personnel Employee Approved PRESS Issue 121 Policy Updates Approved Resolution of Nomination for Membership on the Downers Grove Plan Commission Approved Staff MacBook Purchase Approved Community Solar Subscription Agreement Approved Transfer of Monies from the Education Fund to Debt Service Fund Approved FY2027 Property, Casualty and Workers' Compensation Insurance Approved Consolidated District Plan Approved Adoption of Professional Learning Mondays for 2026-27 Approved PowerSchool Contract Renewal Approved designation of Surplus Equipment Upcoming Meetings & Events Monday, July 13, 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting at Civic Center   Stay Connected All District 58 communication and publications are sent via ParentSquare. Contact your school office or jrelihan@dg58.org with any questions. Subscribe Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for updates here: https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

Friday, Jun 12 2026

Board Preview: May 18 Special Board Meeting

BOARD PREVIEW 6/8/2026 Board of Education Regular Meeting The District 58 Board of Education will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026 at the Downers Grove Civic Center, 850 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, IL 60515.  A Closed Session will be held at 6:30 p.m. and an Open Public Session will begin at 7:00 p.m. The public may also view the meeting remotely, via the Village of Downers Grove’s YouTube account.  Board Meeting Agenda The agenda includes: A presentation and public hearing on District 58's Proposed 2025-2026 Amended Budget Spotlight on our Schools: Spring Data Snapshot Spotlight on our Schools: School Environment and Communications Surveys Spotlight on our Schools: Enrollment and Staffing Update Superintendent and Monthly Business reports Board Committee updates A recommendation to approve meeting minutes for 5/11/26 Regular Meeting, 5/18/26 Special Meeting and 5/11/26 Closed Session. A recommendation to approve FY2026 Amended Budget A recommendation to approve Resolution Approving Surety Bond of Treasurer A recommendation to approve Resolution re Reduction in Days and Hours of Full-Time Educational Support Personnel Employees A recommendation to approve Resolution re Reduction in Days and Hours of Part-Time Education Support Personnel Employees A recommendation to approve Resolution re Honorable Dismissal of Educational Support Personnel Employee A recommendation to approve PRESS Issue 121 Policy Updates A recommendation to approve Resolution of Nomination for Membership on the Downers Grove Plan Commission A recommendation to approve Staff MacBook Purchase A recommendation to approve Community Solar Subscription Agreement A recommendation to approve the Transfer of Monies from the Education Fund to Debt Service Fund A recommendation to approve FY2027 Property, Casualty and Workers' Compensation Insurance A recommendation to approve Consolidated District Plan A recommendation to approve Adoption of Professional Learning Mondays for 2026-27 A recommendation to approve PowerSchool Contract Renewal A recommendation to approve designation of Surplus Equipment View more information about these topics and all Board meeting topics in the Board agenda at https://dg58.us/BOE_Agendas. Public Participation How to make a public comment during the meeting: The Board encourages public comment from the community. There will be an opportunity for in-person visitors to make a public comment. Members of the public may communicate with the Board at any time by emailing boe@dg58.org.   Stay Connected District 58 communications are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe to District 58 Publications Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for publications at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

Monday, Jun 08 2026

Communicate 58: May 27, 2026

Volume 18, Issue 21: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Special End-of-Year Edition District 58 Strategic Plan Each article in this newsletter will highlight the strategic goal it supports. To learn more about District 58’s Vision 58, visit https://dg58.us/strategic-plan. Goal 1: Focusing on Learning Goal 2: Connecting the Community Goal 3: Securing the Future Goal 4: Building for Success Goal 5: Cultivating Talent Quicklinks D58 Website ParentSquare PowerSchool D58 Facebook D58 X (Twitter) D58 YouTube   MARK YOUR CALENDAR! View the full 2025-26 calendar Thursday, May 28 Herrick Band, Choir and Orchestra Concert at Herrick O’Neill Band, Choir and Orchestra Concert at O’Neill Thursday, June 4 5 p.m. Herrick 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Downers Grove North High School 7 p.m. O’Neill 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Downers Grove North High School Friday, June 5 Last Day of School for Grades PK-7 AM: Half-Day of School  11:30 a.m. dismissal for grades K-6 11:45 a.m. dismissal for grade 7 Preschool will run a modified morning schedule. PM: Teacher Institute Half-Day (no school) Monday, June 8 - Tuesday, June 9 Teacher Institute Days (no school) Friday, June 12 Extended School Year (ESY) starts Monday, June 15 DG58 Summer School starts GREETINGS FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. RUSSELL Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Dear District 58 Community, As we wrap up the 2025–2026 school year, I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Board of Education, to thank you for the trust you place in us each day. It is truly an honor and a privilege to support your child(ren)’s learning, growth, and well-being. We are deeply grateful for the partnership and support you continue to provide to our students, staff, and schools. This school year has been filled with growth, achievement, and meaningful collaboration. Together, we celebrated many important milestones that reflect our shared commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student. Some highlights from the 2025–2026 school year include: 2025-26 Celebrations Year Three Strategic Plan Implementation The District continued making meaningful progress in the third year of its 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, helping ensure our work remains focused on supporting the evolving needs of our students, staff, and community. Throughout the year, the District advanced key initiatives related to academic achievement, student well-being, communication, safety, staffing, and operational excellence, while continuing to strengthen partnerships with families and the community. This ongoing work provides a clear roadmap for continuous improvement and helps guide decision-making across all areas of the District. Referendum Construction The District completed the major milestones of Elementary Phases I and II, as well as the middle school construction projects, enhancing learning environments, improving safety, and modernizing schools across the District. These improvements include updated classrooms and learning spaces, enhanced security features, improved accessibility, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded student support spaces.  We are excited that Phase III construction at Belle Aire, El Sierra, and Pierce Downer will begin in full immediately following the end of the school year. This will bring the District one step closer to completing the transformative referendum projects approved by the community. Academic Achievement and Growth Most inspiring, we continue to see strong academic progress across our classrooms, reflecting the dedication of our students and staff. These gains demonstrate the impact of high-quality instruction, targeted supports, and our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of every learner. Students across grade levels continued to demonstrate growth in literacy, mathematics, and critical thinking skills, while staff worked collaboratively to provide engaging learning experiences and personalized support. We are proud of the effort and accomplishments of our students and grateful for the partnership of families in supporting student success. Looking Ahead to 2026-27 New Middle School 6-8 Model The District has been thoughtfully preparing for the transition of current fifth- and sixth-grade students to Herrick Middle School and O'Neill Middle School under our new 6–8 middle school model beginning in fall 2026. Our schools have undergone significant construction and facility improvements, and staffing has been carefully aligned to best support students within this new structure. Supporting students and families throughout this transition remains a top priority. Administrators and staff are working closely together to ensure students feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they reach this important milestone. Through strong academic programming, social-emotional supports, and expanded opportunities for involvement, we are building a middle school experience designed to help every student grow, connect, and thrive. To learn more about what families can expect through the new middle school model, including Sneak Preview, Locker Night, and other important transition details and resources, please visit the District’s Middle School Transition webpages. New Preschool Model We are pleased to share that Henry Puffer School will become the new dedicated home of The Grove Preschool (formerly Grove Children’s Preschool) beginning this fall. Since its inception, the program has operated across two buildings due to space constraints, but the upcoming middle school reconfiguration now allows the District to create a unified learning environment designed specifically for early childhood education. This exciting transition will allow District 58 to centralize staff, strengthen teacher collaboration, and expand resources and programming opportunities, ultimately creating a more cohesive and enriching experience for our youngest learners and their families. We are excited to welcome all of our preschoolers together in one location this fall and begin this new chapter for our early childhood program. New Elementary Hot Lunch I am excited to share that next school year will mark the first time in District 58 history that the District will offer hot lunch at the elementary schools through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This has been a long-standing priority advocated for by many parents and Board members, particularly in support of families with working caregivers. With the completion of our referendum construction projects this summer, all elementary schools will have warming kitchens, allowing hot meals to be prepared at the middle schools, transported to the elementary buildings, and heated before being served to students. This is a significant and exciting step forward for our District, and it means District 58 will no longer be one of the few remaining districts without a comprehensive elementary lunch program. We look forward to sharing additional details with families, PTAs, and staff as plans are finalized. The District is also exploring opportunities to make lunch and recess engaging, fun experiences for students, including opportunities for parent volunteering and participation. Summer Months As we head into the summer months, we know it will be another busy season as our referendum construction moves into its final phase. With a full construction schedule ahead, along with continued fiscal uncertainty at the state and federal levels, our focus will remain on the responsible stewardship of resources while staying on course with our improvement priorities. Please take a moment to review this end-of-year newsletter, which includes helpful information and resources for the summer months, as well as important back-to-school details. We will continue to share updates and key information throughout the summer via ParentSquare, our District communication platform, to keep families informed and support a smooth start to the new school year. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact our district offices if you need assistance. We are here to support you and your family in every way we can. Please note that our summer hours will be Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am to 4:30 pm from June 22 through July 31. Thank you again for being such an important part of the District 58 community. We wish you a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer, and we look forward to welcoming our students back in the fall for another successful school year. Sincerely, Dr. Kevin Russell Superintendent WE NEED YOUR INPUT Strategic Goal 2 TAKE THE COMMUNICATION SURVEY District 58 is committed to strong communication and family partnerships, and your feedback is an important part of that work. Please complete our annual Communications Survey by Monday, June 1, and help us continue improving how we share information and stay connected. BEFORE SUMMER Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Spring Assessment Results – Available June 5 Students in grades K–8 recently completed the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment in reading and mathematics. In addition, some students—based on grade level and instructional needs—also completed the AIMSWebPlus assessment in reading and/or mathematics. Assessment reports will be posted in ParentSquare on Friday, June 5. If you have questions, please contact Liz Ehrhart, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, at 630-719-5800. To learn more about district assessments and when they are administered, please visit District 58's assessment calendar. Student Device Return District 58 will begin collecting District-issued student devices next week: Grade 8 at O’Neill will return their Chromebooks and chargers on Monday, June 1.  Grade 8 at Herrick will return their Chromebooks and chargers on Tuesday, June 2. Grades K-6 will return their District-issued iPads to school on Tuesday, June 2. Families do not need to turn in iPad Chargers.  Grade 7 who are registered for next school year may keep their District-issued Chromebooks over the summer. MARK YOUR CALENDARS Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 2026-27 School Year - Key Dates View the full 2026-27 calendar First Day of School: Thursday, August 27, 2026 (full day) Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 25 to Friday, November 27, 2026 Winter Break: Monday, December 21, 2026 - Monday, January 4, 2027 Spring Break: Friday, March 26 to Friday, April 2, 2027 Last Day of School: Tuesday, June 8, 2027 (if no emergency days are used) Back to School Resources As you begin preparing for the 2026–27 school year, we encourage you to visit the following webpages for helpful information. Please note that some pages are still being updated for the upcoming school year. If you encounter a page under construction, please check back later this summer as updates are completed. Summer Learning 2026 Back-to-school toolkit   School Supply Lists for 2026-27 School Year Calendar 2026-27 Health Exam & Immunization Requirements Kindergarten Guide Middle School Transition Family Resources END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Congratulations to Select 58 Recipients On May 13, District 58 proudly honored the Select 58 recipients during a special recognition ceremony held at Herrick Middle School. Hosted by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, Select 58 is a long-standing program recognizing eighth grade students who demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and a commitment to positively impacting their school and community. The well-attended celebration brought together students, families, staff, and community members. District 58 congratulates the Select 58 Class of 2026 and thanks the families and staff who help support and celebrate these outstanding students. VIEW SELECT 58 NEWS STORY WITH LIST OF RECIPIENTS VIEW SELECT 58 PHOTO GALLERY   Congratulations to 2025-26 Distinguished Service Award Honorees District 58 proudly hosted its annual Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) ceremony on May 19, celebrating exceptional teachers and staff who make a lasting impact on students, schools, and the District 58 community. This prestigious award, hosted by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, recognizes one outstanding teacher and one staff member each year. This year saw a record 68 nominations! A highlight of the event was the sharing of nomination excerpts, which showcased powerful stories of the meaningful ways honorees support students and colleagues each day. The ceremony also featured a nominee spotlight video and surprise reveal videos announcing this year’s Distinguished Service Award winners: El Sierra Principal Jason Lynde and Grove Preschool Teacher Kendall Buege. VIEW 2026 DSA NEWS STORY WITH LIST OF NOMINEES VIEW 2026 DSA PHOTO GALLERY   Green Apple Awards Celebrate Outstanding District 58 Staff Congratulations to the 54 staff members who were recognized with Green Apple Awards by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 during the 2025-26 school year. Through the Green Apple Program, community members made donations in honor of District 58 employees who made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families. Each honoree received a personalized certificate featuring a special message from the donor. Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell personally delivered the awards to recipients, and the District also celebrated the honorees on its social media channels. VIEW GREEN APPLE PHOTO GALLERY   District 58 Celebrates 22 Retirees and 504+ Years of Service District 58 is deeply grateful for the service of 22 retiring employees whose combined contributions represent more than 504 years of dedication to students, schools, and the community. On May 22, the District honored these retirees during a special luncheon hosted by the Board of Education, celebrating their careers and lasting impact. Their commitment, care, and service have helped shape generations of learners and strengthen District 58 schools and the community. District 58 sincerely thanks these retirees for their incredible service and wishes them all the best in retirement and the next chapter ahead. VIEW 2026 RETIREE NEWS STORY WITH LIST OF STAFF RETIRING VIEW 2026 RETIREE LUNCHEON PHOTO GALLERY COMMUNITY RELATIONS Strategic Goal 2 Downers Grove Housing Survey The Village of Downers Grove is conducting a Housing Survey and invites all residents and those who work in Downers Grove to complete a brief, anonymous 10-minute survey about housing needs, preferences, and opportunities for improvement. The survey is available online at Downers.us/HousingStudy, via QR code in the flyer, or in print at the Civic Center Community Development window. TAKE SURVEY NOW Upcoming Community Events & Programs Get Ready Friendship - Join Girl Scouts Kids Fishing Camp Summer 2026 Wildcat Summer Theater Camp 2026 Needs-Based Scholarship(s) - BAMtheatre Booster Club 2026 Downers Grove Public Library Highlighted Programs - May 2026 Brush & Breathe Art Workshop (Grades 1–8) Grit2 & Art Studio for Fun - May NIU STEAM Summer Camps 2026 - Elementary / Middle School DNA Summer Camps 2026 Mustang Mad Dash - Downers Grove South High School - August 8 Hinsdale Humane Society Pet Walk/5K Run - May 31 National Charity League Membership Information  2025-26 GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families   Stay Connected District 58 communications are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe to District 58 Publications Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for publications at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe.

Wednesday, May 27 2026

Board Briefs: May 18, 2026 Special Board Meeting

May 18, 2026 Special Board Meeting The District 58 Board of Education held a Special Meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Downers Grove Civic Center. District 58 Board of Education members are: Darren Hughes, president; Kirat Doshi, vice president; Nicole Bernard, Melissa Ellis, Emily Hanus, Steven Olczyk and Katie Thomas, with Dr. Kevin Russell, superintendent; and Melissa Jerves, board secretary. VIEW MEETING AGENDA VIEW RECORDED MEETING The recording will be published on District 58's YouTube page once available, typically within one week of the meeting. Superintendent Contract Approval of Superintendent Contract 2026-2031 The Board unanimously approved a new five-year contract for Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell, extending his leadership of District 58 through the 2030-31 school year. Dr. Russell shared that he is honored to continue serving and expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support of staff, students, families, community members, and the Board of Education. In recognition of the District’s current financial challenges, Dr. Russell also made adjustments to his contract to help support the District during a tight budget period, reflecting his commitment to shared sacrifice and responsible leadership. Administrator Appointment Appointment of Director of Technology The Board also approved the appointment of Dr. Callie Salaymeh as District 58’s next Director of Technology, effective July 2026. Following a comprehensive interview process with many highly qualified candidates, Dr. Salaymeh emerged as the top choice due to her strong leadership, instructional technology expertise, and collaborative, student-centered approach. She currently serves as a technology coach at Lyons Township High School and previously taught science at McClure Junior High, where she helped lead a 1:1 device rollout. Dr. Salaymeh holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame, Concordia University Chicago, and DePaul University, and is recognized at the state and national levels for her leadership in instructional technology and artificial intelligence in education. District 58 is excited to welcome her to the administrative team and is confident she will provide strong leadership and vision for the District’s technology department. Recommendations for Action VIEW AGENDA AND RELATED DOCUMENTS The Board of Education approved the following recommendations for action: Approved Superintendent Contract for 2026-2031 Approved Appointment of Director of Technology Upcoming Meetings & Events Friday, June 5, 7 a.m. - Financial Advisory Committee at Civic Center Monday, June 8, 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting at Civic Center   Stay Connected All District 58 communication and publications are sent via ParentSquare. Contact your school office or jrelihan@dg58.org with any questions. Subscribe Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for updates here: https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

Thursday, May 21 2026

District 58 Connects: Your District 58 Staff Newslet...

Volume 7, Issue 19: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Quick Links D58 Website 58 Connects Archive Staff Quick Guide: Links/Payroll/Personnel Social Media D58 Facebook D58 X (Twitter) D58 YouTube DR. RUSSELL'S CORNER Dear District 58 Family, I hope this message finds you well as we prepare for the end of the school year. The old adage once again has been proven true this school year. While the days seem long, the weeks and months certainly have flown by. It’s hard to believe that there are only two and a half weeks left in the school year. As I have shared before, the end of the school year is filled with many recognition ceremonies and activities for students and staff. Recognition is a very important thing that school districts should do because we are in the business of helping people. Sharing with others how much we appreciate them makes a difference. In the spirit of the Happiness Advantage/Orange Frog, please continue to share with your colleagues, students, and families how grateful we all are for getting the opportunity to work alongside each other. While our jobs are no doubt challenging, we are in a profession in which we get to impact the lives of thousands of people throughout our careers. This is a very special thing and one that brings me a great deal of gratitude. We are fortunate to have this opportunity and I would like to thank each and every one of you for another successful school year. Celebrate 58 This past Monday, District 58, in conjunction with the DGEEA, DGESP, and DGCMA, hosted Celebrate 58 at Cadence Kitchen. Special thanks to Katie Hurckes and the DGEEA for coordinating this event. It was great to celebrate the end of the school year, honor the District’s retirees, and reconnect with former staff members. Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in Celebrate 58! Retiree Recognition and Luncheon On Friday, the Board of Education will host the annual Retirement Recognition Ceremony at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook. This is a tradition that spans decades. At the event, we will honor each retiree and celebrate their careers. Special thanks to Melissa Jerves for organizing the event. On a personal note, I would like to personally thank each and every retiree. Their service to District 58 is one they should be proud of, and the impact they have had on the students they served will last for generations to come. Retirees Todd Cherney (Technology) Cheryl Varys (Grade 6, Lester) Steve Gross (Counselor, Herrick) Dustin Moore (P.E., O’Neill) Christy Gergits (Reading Specialist, Whittier) Carrie Murphy (Kindergarten, Henry Puffer) Kate Salsbury (Grade 6, Lester) Andy Schmidt (Math, Herrick) Kris Ceas (Resource, Herrick) Cathy Relias (Reading Specialist, Highland) Julie McCarthy-Smith (IA, Kingsley) Amanda Miller (Grade 1, Indian Trail) Jen MacArtney (Math, Herrick) Jennifer Woods (Reading Specialist, Henry Puffer) Chris LaPointe (Reading Specialist, Hillcrest) Sue Donahue (School Nurse, ON, LE, FA, ES) Lori O’Boyle (IA, Hillcrest) Michael Krugman (Principal, Whittier) Todd Niewold (Pony Driver) Bebe Steele (Secretary, Lester) Sandy Anaya (Secretary, Herrick) Michael Rose (Head Custodian, Belle Aire) Distinguished Service Awards Yesterday, the Education Foundation of District 58 hosted the Distinguished Service Awards at O’Neill Middle School. This is one of my favorite events of the year because of the time nominators take to share the meaningful impact nominees have had on students, colleagues, and families. I am always impressed to hear the personal stories that staff and families share about the nominees. The reason we got into education was to make a difference. This event highlights the difference the District staff has made in the lives of so many others. Thank you to those who were able to attend the event, and thank you to the Education Foundation for hosting the ceremony. Special thanks to Julie Relihan for coordinating the ceremony. There was a record number of nominees this year (68). Below is a list of the nominees and the two winners. Congratulations to all of the nominees and this year’s winners, Jason Lynde (El Sierra’s principal) and Kendall Buege (Grove Preschool teacher)! VIEW "MEET THE DSA NOMINEES" VIDEO VIEW CONGRATULATIONS KENDALL BUEGE VIDEO VIEW CONGRATULATIONS JASON LYNDE VIDEO DSA Nominees Shqipe Ametii, Lester Audrey Barc, Pierce Downer Kerri Bartkowiak, Whittier Andrew Biederman, Kingsley María Blanco, El Sierra Kevin Bowser, Pierce Downer Catherine Boyce, Pierce Downer Kendall Buege, Grove Preschool Caitlin Choinski, Highland Zachary Craft, Highland Matthew D’Angelo, Hillcrest Peggy Delaney, Grove Preschool Susan Dillon, Grove Preschool Jessica Downes, Kingsley Jessica Downs, Hillcrest Theresa Farrell, Herrick Madelyn Fiene, Herrick Amy Freitag, Lester Christina Gamboa, El Sierra Kinzie Geist, Herrick Christy Gergits, Whittier Alison Glennon, Fairmount Georgann Grecco, Herrick Donna Haidle, Grove Preschool Colleen Hannigan, Kingsley Ashley Herald, Kingsley Ashley Honn, Henry Puffer Sandi Hudecek, Highland Jessica Jung, Hillcrest Lora Kozerski, Belle Aire Amy Koziowski, Fairmount Michael Krugman, Whittier Andrew Kupisch, Henry Puffer Terri La Via, Hillcrest Christine LaPointe, Hillcrest Matthew Leiser, Lester Kristen Leonard, Lester Jason Lynde, El Sierra Cheryl Lyons, Whittier Julia MacKerell, Henry Puffer Katie Main, Fairmount Alyssa Manzo, Indian Trail Kevin McDermott, Belle Aire Amanda Miller, Indian Trail Louise Modine, Whittier Katelyn Morgan, O’Neill Kristen Nagle, Highland Laura Novotny, Lester Heather O’Donnell, Pierce Downer Katherine Padilla, Highland Sarah Pinkus, O’Neill Katie Porter, Whittier Stephanie Potter, O’Neill Cheryl Prescott, Grove Preschool Carissa Redpath, Hillcrest Janet Reynolds, Henry Puffer Nicole Ring, Lester Rebecca Rizzio, Kingsley Jessica Satler, Hillcrest Jessica Sima, El Sierra Tasha Squires, O’Neill Tony Stampfl, Highland Melissa Swallows, Fairmount Nichole Szlembarski, Kingsley Laura Velinske, Hillcrest Jonathan Vidovic, Herrick Craig Young, Kingsley Elizabeth Zawadzki, Hillcrest Special Board Meeting on Monday (May 17) This past Monday, the Board of Education hosted a special Board meeting with two action items.  At this meeting, the District hired a new Director of Technology, Dr. Callie Salaymeh. Please see the email that was sent out on Tuesday for information on Callie’s background and qualifications. We are excited to have Callie join our team. We are also grateful for Dr. Eichmiller’s leadership and will miss him next school year when he becomes a superintendent. James has had a profound impact on our District, and I am grateful for his leadership. The Board of Education also approved a new five-year contract for me as superintendent. The contract will be in place from the 2026-2027 School Year through the 2030-2031 School Year. I am humbled and honored to continue to serve District 58 as the Superintendent of Schools. As I shared when I was hired, this is my dream job. I am grateful for the continued support I receive from staff, students, families, community members, and the Board of Education. I also recognize that the District is experiencing challenging financial times. Therefore, I have made changes to my contract to help the District navigate a very tight budget. I feel it is important that the leader of the District makes sacrifices during tough times. This is what leadership is all about. I look forward to the next five years! This will be the final 58 Connects of the school year. I will send out an end-of-the-year staff letter on Wednesday, June 3. As always, please feel free to contact our team or me if you have any questions or need anything.  Best wishes, Kevin CELEBRATIONS 📣 DG58 Shout-Outs Thank you to everyone who participated in giving a Shout-Out to our amazing DG58 staff this year! PERSONNEL Posting and Positions for 2026-27 Open positions will continue to be posted as they become available throughout the coming weeks and even into the summer; we encourage all employees who are interested to continue to watch the website, as this is the last issue of 58 Connects for the year. Instructional Assistants - we are working through the districtwide allocation of IAs for the coming school year, and your building or program administrator will communicate with you as to your position for the coming school year. This communication will definitely happen before the end of the school year--hopefully sooner--but we want to be sure that we have the entire allocation process completed so that everyone receives accurate information. Thank you for your patience and understanding of this annual procedure, and please feel free to reach out to Justin with any questions.   Tutoring Policies - Reminders for all staff We know that many educators work outside of the district, particularly during the summer months. As a reminder, while working as a tutor or supporting students with their learning can be a wonderful way to utilize your skills, Board Policy 5:222 contains some very specific parameters that must be adhered to. In general, staff may not tutor any student who is, or could reasonably ever become, their student in District 58. Additionally, District materials may not be used for outside tutoring purposes, which includes curricular materials and materials that may be associated with trainings that the District has paid for. Compliance with this policy does not eliminate the ability to tutor, but compliance with this policy is critical for all employees of the District. If you have questions about a specific situation and how it relates to the policy, please reach out to Justin directly. BUSINESS Wellness Program If you participated in the CHC wellness plan this year, your gift card was emailed to you on May 13. Please check your inbox for it. Dependent Audit IMPORTANT: If you have family coverage for medical, dental, or vision insurance, we are currently completing the dependent audit process.  Please make sure you have verified your dependents and if you did not receive a mailing, please contact Angie Cushing at the email below. If you have any questions about these programs or your employee benefits, please contact benefits@dg58.org. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION 2026-2027 Material Order Forms We have organized all the order forms for the upcoming school year. The forms include supplemental materials, materials for Special Services, materials for Music and the Core Curriculum. They live permanently on our website under the "Staff Links" tab. To navigate to this location, please do the following:  Go to www.dg58.org Click "Staff" on the top bar Click "Material Order Forms" As a reminder, you will not receive any requested materials until August. Please reach out to Liz Ehrhart with questions.   Elementary Material Pack-up Guidance If you are an elementary teacher whose section will be closing, please see the pack-up instructions sent to you via email from the Curriculum Office. It will explain how to pack your materials and where they should be sent if they are needed for another school. In some cases, your materials will be sent to the DSC for storage. Do not send materials to the DSC unless you have been told to do so. If you believe you should have received an email about packing up your curriculum resources, please reach out to Liz Ehrhart.   Committee Updates Middle School MTSS Intervention Subcommittee The Middle School MTSS Intervention Subcommittee met on April 8 to refine the framework for academic support within the District’s new middle school structure. A primary goal of the session was to establish clear, consistent criteria for identifying students who require additional help in math and reading. The committee reviewed a draft guidance document designed to finalize the student identification process for the upcoming school year. Looking ahead, the group outlined a communication timeline to ensure all teachers and administrators are prepared for these transitions by this spring. Finally, the subcommittee laid the groundwork for ongoing data review in the 2026-27 school year to ensure that interventions remain effective and adaptable to student needs. Elementary MTSS Intervention Subcommittee The Elementary MTSS Intervention Subcommittee met on April 21 to evaluate mid-year student progress and refine the District’s support systems. The team reviewed winter data for math and reading, noting encouraging growth in student scores. The committee also created a list of updates for the District’s guidance document for the next school year, specifically refining the criteria for when students have met their goals and are ready to exit intervention programs. Finally, the subcommittee looked toward the next school year, planning professional development for staff and a comprehensive review of reading intervention materials. Middle School Math Committee  The Middle School Math Committee met on April 22 to establish a framework for the District’s implementation of Amplify Desmos for the upcoming school year. The group focused on the full implementation of the Amplify curriculum, reviewing specific tools for unit planning, pacing, and instructional delivery to ensure consistency across classrooms. Discussion also centered on refining common assessments through data analysis and feedback from staff throughout the next school year. Committee members discussed how to evaluate the effectiveness of supplemental digital resources to determine how they can best support differentiated learning and additional practice opportunities. Finally, the meeting concluded with a look toward future professional development needs and ongoing data analysis to monitor the success of the curriculum implementation. Science Committee The Science committee continues to plan for a small-scale elementary pilot of Open Sci Ed for the upcoming school year. The committee has looked through materials and will receive training from the University of Illinois STEM Extension in the resource. Open Sci Ed is our current middle school resource, which has developed complementary elementary units, covering the Next Generation Science Standards. Additionally, the committee continues to review our curricular field trips and hands-on experiences to build our students’ love of science. SPECIAL SERVICES Congratulations & Thank You! As we close out the school year, it is important to take a moment to recognize some truly significant accomplishments across our District in Special Services. Together, we successfully transitioned two grade levels of students with IEPs and 504 Plans to new middle school settings, while also continuing to meet the many daily responsibilities that come with supporting a complex special education system. At the same time, Grove Preschool and Henry Puffer staff laid the groundwork for a successful transition to a single preschool building, and the teams at Kingsley and Indian Trail thoughtfully prepared to welcome new SASED programs into their schools. These are major changes, and each represents opportunities to better support students and strengthen inclusive practices across our District. Because of your dedication and care for students, hundreds of learners with disabilities will begin next school year with thoughtful plans, supports, and teams already in place to help them succeed. That kind of work takes extraordinary effort, and I am incredibly grateful for all that you contributed throughout the year to make this happen. The work was not always easy, but it will make all the difference to our students and families in the fall. As summer begins, a special thank you goes to the staff supporting Extended School Year programming this summer. Your continued commitment helps ensure students maintain critical skills across the summer weeks. We look forward to another successful ESY program. Thank you, again, for an incredible year! TECHNOLOGY   Student Device Collection Please see the device collection guidance document for this school year. Boxes will be arriving in your buildings next week for collection, and device collection spreadsheets will be shared next week as well. Please note that we will not be collecting iPad Chargers this year. In particular, if you collect them from 3rd and 4th grade students, it will be confusing in August, as the expectation will be that those students will already have their chargers at home. Please take the time to review the details in the guidance document and reach out with any questions you may have.   Trimester 3 Storing Dates Please see the quarters and trimesters document for report card storing dates and information. DISTRICT 58 JOB CORNER VIEW ALL DG58 JOB OPENINGS Jobs are full-time unless otherwise stated. 2025/2026 SY Instructional Assistant - Special Ed - Henry Puffer Instructional Assistant - RISE Special Ed - Indian Trail  Instructional Assistant - Special Ed - Herrick Business Office Secretary/Special Services Assistant Head Custodian - Belle Aire Elementary School Night Custodian - Kingsley Elementary School Summer School Summer School Gen Ed Teacher 8:00am-11:30am (6/15/26-7/2/26-excludes 6/19) ESY K-8 Teacher 8:00am-11:30 (6/12/26-7/14/26-excludes 6/19, 7/2, 7/3) ESY Instructional Assistant 8:00am-11:30 (6/12/26-7/14/26-excludes 6/19, 7/2, 7/3) Summer School Instructional Assistant 8:00am-11:30am (6/15/26-7/2/26-excludes 6/19) Summer Help - Buildings & Grounds | Technology | Curriculum variable between 6:00am-2:30pm (Minimum Age is 16) 2026/2027 SY Grade 1 Teacher - Whittier Elementary School Grade 1 Teacher - Indian Trail Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher  - Hillcrest Elementary School Grade 5 Teacher - Kingsley Elementary School .5 Band Teacher - Middle Schools .5 Orchestra Teacher - Middle Schools Instrumental Music Teacher - Middle Schools Spanish and Foreign Language Exploratory Teacher - Herrick Middle School General Music Teacher - Herrick Middle School Resource Teacher - Herrick Middle School .45 ELA Teacher - O’Neill Middle School .625 Special Programs Resource Teacher - O’Neill Middle School Art & Exploratory Teacher - O’Neill Middle School Spanish and Foreign Language Exploratory Teacher - O’Neill Middle School Science and STEM Exploratory Teacher - O’Neill Middle School Occupational Therapist - Multiple Schools Special Ed RISE Teacher - Indian Trail  Elementary Special Ed DLP Teacher - Hillcrest Elementary Special Ed RISE Teacher - Pierce Downer LOA - Special Ed RISE Teacher - Pierce Downer Elementary (26/27 SY) LOA - Grade 2 Teacher - Highland Elementary (26/27 SY) Registered Nurse - Fairmont Elementary School Part-Time School Secretary (10 Months- 4 hours) - Highland | Hillcrest | Indian Trail Part-Time School Secretary (10 Months-5.5 hours) - Lester | Herrick Part-Time Pony Driver-Interoffice Mail Distributer  DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe.

Wednesday, May 20 2026

Welcoming District 58’s Next Technology Director, Ca...

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe. May 19, 2026 Dear District 58 Community, We are excited to share that at a Special Board of Education meeting last night, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Callie Salaymeh to serve as District 58’s next Technology Director. She will begin in this role in July 2026. District 58 recently conducted a comprehensive interview process to identify our next technology leader. We were fortunate to have many highly qualified candidates, and throughout the process, Dr. Salaymeh stood out for her strong leadership skills, deep instructional technology expertise, and collaborative, student-centered approach. We are confident she will be an excellent fit for District 58’s culture and community. Dr. Salaymeh brings extensive experience in educational technology and instructional leadership. For the past 10 years, she has served as a technology coach at Lyons Township High School, where her work has included professional learning, instructional support, committee leadership, and the selection and implementation of instructional technology tools. Before that, she was a science teacher at McClure Junior High in Western Springs, where she also played a key leadership role in the school’s 1:1 device rollout.  Dr. Salaymeh earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from DePaul University. “Callie is recognized as a leader in instructional technology and has received state and national recognition for her work, including in the area of artificial intelligence in education,” said Dr. Kevin Russell, Superintendent. “We are excited to welcome her to the District 58 administrative team and are confident she will strengthen and support the District’s technology department through her leadership and vision.” Please join us in welcoming Dr. Salaymeh to District 58! Sincerely, Dr. Kevin Russell Superintendent of Schools

Tuesday, May 19 2026

Board Preview: May 18 Special Board Meeting

BOARD PREVIEW 5/18/2026 Board of Education Special Meeting The District 58 Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Downers Grove Civic Center, 850 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, IL 60515.  The public may also view the meeting remotely, via the Village of Downers Grove’s YouTube account.  Board Meeting Agenda The agenda includes: A recommendation to approve the Superintendent's Contract for 2026-2031 A recommendation to approve the appointment of the Director of Technology View more information about these topics and all Board meeting topics in the Board agenda at https://dg58.us/BOE_Agendas. Public Participation How to make a public comment during the meeting: The Board encourages public comment from the community. There will be an opportunity for in-person visitors to make a public comment. Members of the public may communicate with the Board at any time by emailing boe@dg58.org.   Stay Connected District 58 communications are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe to District 58 Publications Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for publications at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

Tuesday, May 19 2026

Board Briefs: May 11, 2026 Regular Meeting

May 11, 2026 Regular Meeting The District 58 Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Downers Grove Civic Center. District 58 Board of Education members are: Darren Hughes, president; Kirat Doshi, vice president; Nicole Bernard, Melissa Ellis, Emily Hanus, Steven Olczyk and Katie Thomas, with Dr. Kevin Russell, superintendent; and Melissa Jerves, board secretary. VIEW MEETING AGENDA VIEW RECORDED MEETING The recording will be published on District 58's YouTube page once available, typically within one week of the meeting. Spotlight on Our Schools Lester Elementary School VIEW PRESENTATION Kingsley Elementary School Principal Mr. Charles Brewster, joined by representatives from the Student Council and PTA, presented the school’s report to the Board of Education. Key points included: Student Council members highlighted service projects and activities, including a food drive, Giving Tree, Spirit Week, collecting pop tabs, and Project “Night Night.” The PTA shared progress toward its goals of increasing community engagement, improving communication, and expanding opportunities for students and families through events, assemblies, fundraising efforts, and a new website. The PTA also received the Illinois PTA Platinum Membership Award and reported a 58% increase in engagement from last year. Mr. Brewster shared updates on academic and school culture goals, including a focus on strengthening math instruction through metacognition strategies and student discussion. Assessment data showed overall growth in reading and math, including among student subgroups. Kingsley’s positive behavior support system exceeded its goal for positive office referrals, and the school continues to implement its “Prides” families to strengthen school community and connections. Looking ahead, Kingsley plans to continue peer observation opportunities, expand the Prides family model, and use Cycles of Inquiry to guide next year’s academic focus areas. Spotlight on Our Schools Construction Update VIEW PRESENTATION Jordan Schulz, Huffman Keel/Forge, Construction Owner's Representative for referendum-related work, provided the Board with an update on referendum construction projects across the District. Key highlights included: Close-out work continues to progress, with Elementary Phase I and Phase II commissioning and punchlist nearly complete. Warranty items and servery work remain ongoing and financial close-out is on track for completion by the end of summer. At O’Neill and Herrick middle schools, commissioning and punchlist work are nearly finished, with some items remaining over the summer. Financial close-out for both schools also remains on schedule. The District recently celebrated the completion of major learning space transformations at O’Neill and Herrick with ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Construction projects at Elementary Phase III schools (Belle Aire, El Sierra, and Pierce Downer) continue to progress on schedule and will move forward in earnest this summer. Some early construction tasks started on the 2nd shift at the Phase III schools to accommodate the shortened summer timeline. Spotlight on Our Schools Preliminary Budget and Staffing Considerations VIEW PRESENTATION Assistant Superintendent for Business/CSBO Dr. Gregory Harris and Assistant Superintendent for Personnel/Staff Development Mr. Justin Sisul provided the Board with an update on the Preliminary Budget and Staffing Considerations. Preliminary Budget The District’s FY 2026 budget will be amended to include a simple interfund transfer of excess referendum interest into operations, and the budget is currently available for public review for the required 30 days at the District office and on the website. A public budget hearing is scheduled for the June 8 Board meeting. An overview of the annual budget timeline and process was shared, noting the District’s adoption of a new preliminary budget phase that outlines high-level projected revenues and expenditures. The tentative budget will be presented to the Board and community in August, with final Board approval anticipated following the required hearing in September. Dr. Harris presented the preliminary FY 2027 budget, which is operationally balanced. The Administration recommends a $750,000 transfer from Operations & Maintenance to Capital Projects in alignment with a recently adopted Board policy. This will be used to pay for pending projects in the post-referendum construction era. The District’s fund balance to expenditure ratio is currently below the 33% policy threshold, and a financial sustainability plan will be brought to the Board by January 2027. Staffing Plans and Priorities Consistent with prior years, class sizes will continue to follow the targets established during the District’s 2018–19 strategic planning process, as closely as possible. The District’s goal remains to balance class sizes across schools while keeping students in their home schools whenever feasible and maintaining strong supports and highly qualified staff in all settings. Class size targets remain as follows: Grades K–2 will have 80% of classrooms at 24 or fewer students, with rationale communicated to families when classes reach 25–27 students and action taken at 28 students, which may include review meetings, added supports or staffing, or adjustments to specialist scheduling. Grades 3–8 will have 80% of classrooms at 26 or fewer students, with rationale communicated at 27–28 students and action taken at 29 students, including similar supports and adjustments. Mr. Sisul shared preliminary, tentative class configurations and staffing plans, highlighting cohorts that would realize a different configuration than in the current year for 2026–27 based on current enrollment data, emphasizing that equity and adherence to class size targets will remain priorities, with adjustments made as needed when thresholds are exceeded and in consideration of specialized program needs and inclusion levels.  The presentation provided a high-level view of current conditions while acknowledging that registration is ongoing and not yet complete. The District’s goal is to allow for early planning and communication as needed. A full update on tentative elementary class sizes will be presented at the June 8 Board meeting once enrollment data is firmer. Class sizes will remain tentative over the summer due to ongoing enrollment changes, with final determinations communicated to families once confirmed, as needed. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell shared the following departmental updates: Personnel: Hiring season is currently very busy, and tonight the Board will consider several personnel actions, including the hiring of a new administrator, new teachers in specialized programs and related services, and the recall of a significant number of teachers who were RIF’d in March. These actions reflect current enrollment and are made possible through completed student registration and the strong support of building administrators and office staff. Curriculum and Instruction: We are grateful to our elementary schools for hosting welcoming and well-attended Open Houses, and to our middle schools for their Future Spartan and Future Senator nights for incoming families, highlighting strong school-family partnerships and the exciting transition to middle school. Finance: Please see the preliminary budget update presentation (above) and business report (below). Technology: Please see the Technology Update presentation (below). Special Services:  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and District 58 is partnering with Grit2 to highlight the importance of student and staff mental health. This work supports a culture of connection, belonging, and early support, while helping reduce stigma and strengthen access to resources across the District’s schools. Facilities:  Please see the Referendum Construction Update presentation (above). Public Relations: District 58 recently celebrated the completion of major learning space transformations at O’Neill and Herrick Middle Schools with ribbon-cutting ceremonies attended by staff, families, students, and community partners. Following these events, both schools hosted their Future Senator and Future Spartan Nights, giving incoming families a first look at their new schools and helping build excitement for next year. Business Report VIEW PRESENTATION Assistant Superintendent for Business/CSBO Dr. Gregory Harris presented the Board with the monthly business and treasurer’s report.  Key points included: The District is managing its expected period of low cash flow, with revenue collections below 50% even as the school year is 80% complete (this is due to the county paying property taxes–the District’s largest revenue source–in the month of June every year). While there are some bright spots on the revenue side, such as investment interest, costs related to special education services (including SASED and private placements) remain a concern. But savings in transportation will hopefully balance out the overrun in special education costs. A proposal for a state-incentivized Community Solar program will be brought before the Board for review in June, which could yield approximately $30,000 in annual savings by offsetting about 10% of energy expenses through bill credits. The Board asked thoughtful questions and the administration will further investigate the complexities of the arrangement before making a final recommendation. The District is also evaluating proposals for a new food service vendor agreement, with analysis focused on cost, menu offerings, management and staffing. A formal recommendation is expected at the June meeting. Committee Updates Reports on recent committee meetings were shared, including  Financial Advisory Committee - Board President Darren Hughes reported on the May 8 meeting, noting that the financial presentations and discussions in tonight’s Board Meeting aligned with the topics reviewed by the FAC. District Leadership Team - Board Vice President Kirat Doshi reported on the May 11 meeting, noting that the committee reviewed the Quarterly Strategic Plan Progress Report. Additional discussions included surveying students to gauge interest in clubs and extracurricular activities for next year. As referendum projects conclude, the District will continue planning for ongoing capital investments through annual capital fund transfers to support emergency and maintenance needs, and the Administration will provide a prioritized list of capital projects aligned to available financial resources. The committee also discussed the development of additional recognition programs for staff and students and noted that the District Equity Leadership Team is reviewing recruitment strategies and interview questions to support the continued development of a diverse staff team. Health & Wellness Committee - Board Member Nicole Bernard reported on the April 15 and May 4 meetings, noting that discussions focused on the health plan coverage for January 2027 and questions regarding plan administration. The committee also reviewed an analysis of healthcare and pharmacy proposals. Policy Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting. Board President Darren Hughes indicated there is a recommendation for the first reading of PRESS Issue 121 Board Policy updates, including generalized School Code and legal reference changes, along with other minor revisions. Legislative Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting. Other During the meeting, the Board also heard the following updates: Dr. Russell reported on the recent SASED Board meeting, noting draft articles of agreement related to finances and facilities. Approval is being sought from District 58 and the other 18 member districts regarding updated agreement terms with SASED, as the cooperative transitions to a new consolidated location in Oak Brook for financial and operational efficiencies. Technology Updates VIEW PRESENTATION Assistant Superintendent for Technology and Learning Dr. James Eichmiller provided updates on several technology issues to the Board. Federal e-Rate Program District 58 participates in the federal E-Rate program, which provides funding support for internet, fiber connections, and technology infrastructure, and requires internet safety instruction and content filtering on all student and staff devices. Students receive internet safety instruction through Library Skills using Common Sense Media resources, with additional instruction planned in the new Middle School Technology and Learning course.  The District also uses firewall and proxy filtering systems to help protect users from harmful online content. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines The District recognizes that AI tools, when used ethically and in alignment with Board policy, can support student learning, instruction, and district operations. The Technology and Learning Committee has developed guidelines for responsible use to manage risks while maximizing benefits, and the District will provide staff professional development on AI use. These guidelines will be reviewed annually with ongoing monitoring and stakeholder feedback to ensure they continue to evolve with the technology. Primary Student iPads (Grades K-3) Based on discussions and input from instructional staff and families, the District recommends that iPads for students in grades K–3 remain at school beginning in August 2026. This change is intended to support instructional consistency by ensuring devices are consistently charged and available, while reducing logistical challenges for both home and school use. As students in these grades have limited homework focused primarily on reading books, iPads are currently sent home primarily for charging purposes. The District will utilize existing cost-effective charging solutions to avoid the need for specialized carts and extend iPad lifespan by reducing battery cycles and transport-related wear.  In the event of remote learning, devices could still be sent home with advance notice and planning. District support will continue for students with IEPs, multilingual learners, and others with specific needs to ensure devices can be sent home when required. Administrator Appointment Appointment of New School Administrator The Board unanimously approved the appointment of Annette Hanson as the next principal of Henry Puffer School. The District completed a comprehensive selection process that included stakeholder feedback, multiple interview rounds, and a thorough background review. Mrs. Hanson stood out as a thoughtful, student-centered leader with strong instructional knowledge, collaborative leadership skills, and a clear commitment to supporting school communities. We are excited to welcome her to District 58 and are confident she will build strong relationships while supporting Henry Puffer through several important transitions, including the move to our new K-5 model, preschool consolidation, and upcoming staff retirements. Recommendations for Action VIEW AGENDA AND RELATED DOCUMENTS The Board of Education approved the following recommendations for action: Approved minutes of the April 13, 2026, Regular Board Meeting  Approved Consent Agenda items as presented, including routine business and personnel reports Approved for first reading the draft PRESS Issue 121 Board Policy Updates. Approved Preschool Program Name Change Approved Property Tax Abatement: Rexnord Approved Stop-Loss Insurance Approved Exclusive Broker Service Agreement: Assured Partners Approved Contract for Audit and Accounting Services with Sikich Approved Surplus Equipment: Chevy Van, Folding Chairs, Air Conditioners, Motors, Milk Coolers, Fuel Caddy, iPads Upcoming Meetings & Events Monday, May 18, 6 p.m. - Special Board Meeting at Civic Center Friday, June 5, 7 a.m. - Financial Advisory Committee at Civic Center Monday, June 8, 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting at Civic Center   Stay Connected All District 58 communication and publications are sent via ParentSquare. Contact your school office or jrelihan@dg58.org with any questions. Subscribe Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for updates here: https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

Friday, May 15 2026

Communicate 58: May 13, 2026

Volume 18, Issue 20: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 District 58 Strategic Plan Each article in this newsletter will highlight the strategic goal it supports. To learn more about District 58’s Vision 58, visit https://dg58.us/strategic-plan. Goal 1: Focusing on Learning Goal 2: Connecting the Community Goal 3: Securing the Future Goal 4: Building for Success Goal 5: Cultivating Talent Quicklinks D58 Website ParentSquare PowerSchool D58 Facebook D58 X (Twitter) D58 YouTube   MARK YOUR CALENDAR! View the full 2025-26 calendar Wednesday, May 13 6:30 p.m. - Select 58 Awards Ceremony at Herrick Tuesday, May 19 4:00 p.m. - Distinguished Service Awards Ceremony at O’Neill Thursday, May 28 Herrick Band, Choir and Orchestra Concert at Herrick O’Neill Band, Choir and Orchestra Concert at O’Neill Thursday, June 4 5 p.m. Herrick 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Downers Grove North High School 7 p.m. O’Neill 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Downers Grove North High School Friday, June 5 Last Day of School for Grades PK-7 AM: Half-Day of School PM: Teacher Institute Day  Monday, June 8 - Tuesday, June 9 Teacher Institute Days (no school) GREETINGS FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. RUSSELL Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Dear District 58 Community, As we move through the final weeks of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank our entire District 58 community for your continued partnership, support, and engagement throughout the year. Last week, we celebrated Staff Appreciation Week, and I am incredibly grateful to our families and community members for helping make it so meaningful for our staff. We are proud of the dedicated teachers, support staff, administrators, and employees who work every day to support our students and families. Their care, commitment, and hard work do not go unnoticed, and we appreciate the many thoughtful gestures of appreciation shared across our schools. I am excited to share that at the May 11 Board of Education meeting, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Mrs. Annette Hanson as the next principal of Henry Puffer School. We look forward to her joining the Henry Puffer community and the leadership, care, and enthusiasm she will bring beginning next school year. Learn more about Mrs. Hanson. During the Board meeting, we also shared several District updates, including the latest progress on referendum construction projects. As final punch list items are being completed at our middle schools and Phase I and II elementary schools, we are excited to shift our focus this summer to Phase III construction work at Belle Aire, El Sierra, and Pierce Downer. We are very pleased that all projects remain on schedule and on budget, and we look forward to sharing updates with our community throughout the summer. The Board also reviewed the District’s preliminary FY2027 budget as part of a new proactive step to continue promoting transparency in our budgeting process. The preliminary budget is operationally balanced and provides a high-level overview of the District’s finances. In August, a more detailed tentative budget will be presented for Board and community review, followed by a public hearing and final Board consideration in September. In addition, we discussed class size targets and staffing planning for next school year. District 58 remains committed to the class size guidelines established in 2018–19 through our strategic plan work. View Target Class Size graphic. Thank you to all families who completed registration this spring, as that information has been critical in helping us plan for the fall. We will continue to monitor enrollment throughout the summer and make any necessary adjustments to best support our students and schools. I encourage families to review the Board Briefs for an overview of Board presentations and discussions. Families may also watch the Board meeting recording on the District’s YouTube channel. Finally, please be on the lookout for the District’s End-of-Year Message on May 27, which will be our final newsletter of the 2025-26 school year. It will include helpful year-end reminders, summer learning opportunities, construction updates, curriculum information and other important resources for families. Thank you again for your continued support of District 58. We look forward to finishing the school year strong together! Sincerely, Dr. Kevin Russell Superintendent COMMUNICATIONS Strategic Goal 2 Help Improve District 58 Communications District 58 invites families and community members to complete our annual Communications Satisfaction and Preferences Survey by Monday, June 1. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us strengthen how we share information and ensure our communications are clear, helpful, and responsive to your needs. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts and help us continue improving how we connect with our school community. TAKE THE COMMUNICATION SURVEY DISTRICT 58 IS HIRING Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Join our Team! The District currently has a variety of exciting opportunities available across the District, including certified teaching positions as well as a few school secretary roles that may be a great fit for community members interested in joining our schools. We encourage you to explore current openings and learn more by visiting DG58 Open Jobs for full details. CELEBRATIONS Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Celebrate Staff with a Green Apple Award! Say thank you this end of year with a Green Apple Award! Recognize a teacher or staff member through the Education Foundation with a personalized card delivered by Superintendent Dr. Russell or your principal and a District 58 social media shout-out. Your donation supports programs that directly benefit students across the district. SEND A GREEN APPLE NOW!   DGEEA Co-Educators of the Year District 58 congratulates Julie Batkiewicz (Henry Puffer) and Stephanie Quigley (Fairmount) on being named this year’s Downers Grove Elementary Education Association (DGEEA) Co-Educators of the Year. Congratulations also to nominees Pam Benn (Kingsley) and Trish Miller (Whittier) for this well-deserved recognition. District 58 is grateful for the dedication, care, and commitment these outstanding educators show to students and school communities each day. Special thanks to the DGEEA for supporting this meaningful recognition process and celebrating the incredible work of educators across the District.   Middle School Ribbon Cuttings District 58 recently celebrated ribbon-cutting ceremonies at O’Neill and Herrick Middle School to recognize the completion of major referendum construction improvements. Students, staff, families, Board members, and community members gathered to celebrate the transformed learning spaces and the continued investment in District 58 schools. District 58 is grateful to the community for its ongoing support of these important projects and looks forward to continuing construction work across the District this summer. VIEW HERRICK RIBBON-CUTTING PHOTO GALLERY VIEW O’NEILL RIBBON-CUTTING PHOTO GALLERY   Welcome to Middle School! O’Neill and Herrick recently welcomed incoming sixth- and seventh-grade students and families during Future Senator Night and Future Spartan Night. Students and families had the opportunity to tour the schools, meet staff, learn more about middle school programs and expectations, and begin building connections for next school year. This is an especially exciting transition year as District 58 moves to the new 6–8 middle school model and welcomes two incoming grade levels into its middle schools. District 58 appreciates the staff and volunteers who helped make these welcoming events a success for students and families. TEACHING & LEARNING Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Spring Assessment Results - Early June Students in grades K-8 recently took the NWEA-Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment for reading and mathematics. Depending on your child’s age and educational experience, some students also completed the AIMSWebPlus assessment in reading and/or mathematics. District 58 will post reports to Parent Square on Friday, June 5. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Ehrhart, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, at 630-719-5800. Please view District 58's assessment calendar to learn more about which assessments students take and when. TECHNOLOGY Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 District 58 Student Device Return Process Begins Soon District 58 will begin collecting District-issued student devices in early June, as follows: Students in grades K-6 will return their District-issued iPads to school on Tuesday, June 2.  Students in grade 7 who are already registered for next school year may keep their District-issued Chromebooks over the summer.  O'Neill 8th graders will return their Chromebooks on Monday, June 1.  Herrick 8th graders will return their Chromebooks on Tuesday, June 2. COMMUNITY RELATIONS Strategic Goal 2 Mental Health Awareness Month This month, District 58 is partnering with Grit2 to help raise awareness about mental health and highlight available resources within our community. Families may notice green ribbons displayed throughout the community as part of an initiative to promote mental health awareness, connection, and support. District 58 is grateful for the opportunity to partner with organizations that help foster a culture of care and belonging for students, staff, and families. To learn more about Grit2 visit https://www.grit2.org/ Upcoming Community Events & Programs Needs-Based Scholarship(s) - BAMtheatre Booster Club 2026 Downers Grove Public Library Highlighted Programs - May 2026 Brush & Breathe Art Workshop (Grades 1–8) Grit2 & Art Studio for Fun - May NIU STEAM Summer Camps 2026 - Elementary / Middle School DNA Summer Camps 2026 Mustang Mad Dash - Downers Grove South High School - August 8 Hinsdale Humane Society Pet Walk/5K Run - May 31 National Charity League Membership Information  2025-26 GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families   Stay Connected District 58 communications are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe to District 58 Publications Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for publications at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe.

Wednesday, May 13 2026