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East Aurora SD 131 recognizes statewide art winner and girls wrestling champions; district reports RAR approval and enrollment of 12,274
Summary
At its March 2025 meeting East Aurora School District 131 recognized a statewide youth art winner and its girls wrestling team, introduced a new elementary principal and reported that an Illinois State Board of Education resource allocation review (RAR) found the district in compliance; district enrollment was reported at 12,274 students.
At its March 2025 meeting, the East Aurora School District 131 Board of Education recognized student achievement and district operational milestones and introduced a new elementary-school principal.
Marissa Yalanowski, the district public-relations officer, presented two recognitions. Bonnie Ramirez, an art teacher, joined staff to recognize Gael Alfaro Reynaga, a first-grade student at Benavides STEAM Academy, as the statewide elementary-grade winner in the National Art Education Association competition. The student and teacher were acknowledged and invited forward for a photograph; winning artwork will be displayed at the National Art Education Association Convention on March 20, 2025.
Yalanowski also recognized East Aurora High School’s girls wrestling team for winning a third consecutive Upstate Eight Conference title. The board recognized coaches and listed the names of participating athletes and coaches during the presentation.
The board reintroduced Kelly Hills as principal of Hermos Elementary School; Hills’s biography noted more than two decades of experience in district leadership and that she is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership at Loyola University Chicago with expected completion in 2026.
In district updates presented during the Curriculum & Programs committee report, district staff reported a Resource Allocation Review (RAR) conducted under an Illinois State Board of Education requirement. The record states the district received notification that its allocation of resources “is in great shape” and that the ISBE’s review awarded additional resources and did not indicate sanctions. Staff credited work by district leaders, including Dr. Engel, Bob Halverson (grant allocations), and Jalitza Martinez, for preparing the materials submitted to the state.
The committee reported 12,274 students enrolled and an average daily attendance of 86.01%. The committee also noted kindergarten-roundup events scheduled for March 15 at Allen Elementary and April 12 at Benavides STEAM Academy; packets and backpacks will be provided to students who enroll during roundup events.
Student engagement items highlighted by the student board member included continuing annual traditions such as a pancake breakfast, a combined concert with West Aurora, and ACT preparation sessions intended to improve college readiness for juniors and seniors.
