Teachers union elects new board members including Monica Caldicott as president

During the March 2025 meeting of the D128 School Board, significant updates were shared regarding the leadership of the teachers' union and ongoing discussions about staffing and sectioning within the district.

The meeting began with the announcement of the results from the recent executive board elections for the teachers' union, which occur every two years. Monica Caldicott, a librarian from Vernon Hills, will continue her role as president. Paul Karnstead, a vice president, will take on the same position for the upcoming term. Notably, Mary Kate Schoenbeck chose not to seek reelection, while Sarah Gourley, a math teacher at Libertyville High School (LHS), will step in as the new secretary. Nikky Olszewski will remain as treasurer, and Katie Bacher will continue as the LHS building representative. Wendy Meister Loria, an English Language teacher at Vernon Hills High School (VHHS), will replace Jason Rush as the building representative for VHHS.

The transition to the new leadership team will take place over the next few months, with official terms beginning on June 1. The current officers, including Schoenbeck and Rush, will continue to serve until their terms end, allowing for a smooth handover of responsibilities.

In addition to the union updates, the board addressed the critical topic of staffing and sectioning, which was discussed in a previous meeting and is set for a vote later in the evening. This topic is particularly important as it directly impacts the allocation of resources and the overall educational environment within the district.

The discussions at this meeting highlight the ongoing commitment of the D128 School Board to ensure effective leadership and adequate staffing, which are essential for maintaining high educational standards in the community. As the board moves forward with these decisions, the implications for both teachers and students will be closely monitored.