Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recognitions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board honors longtime custodian John Imber; announces spelling bee champion Abigail Matza
Summary
Courtney Goodman honored John Imber for over 40 years of service at Field Elementary; the district announced Abigail Matza as the 2026 district spelling bee champion and noted Park Ridge Community Fund progress toward its usual $10,000 goal.
Courtney Goodman, principal at Field Elementary, led the board in honoring John Imber, the school’s head custodian, praising his more than four decades of service to District 64 and calling him "the heart, the soul, and the very foundation of Field Elementary School." Goodman said Imber arrives before sunrise, handles snowstorms and summer projects, mentors other custodians and is widely respected by students, staff and families.
"John, your kindness, your incredible work ethic, and your strong character have earned you the deepest respect of students, staff, and families alike," Goodman said during the ceremony.
The board also heard from Lisonbee Daurenheim (presenting on behalf of spelling-bee coordinator Megan Kiefer) about this year’s district spelling bee: nearly 200 students competed districtwide; 21 finalists advanced to the district bee on Feb. 2; Sarah Kurian placed second and Abigail Matza, a sixth-grader from Lincoln, was named the 2026 district champion and will advance to the North Cook Regional Bee in Lincolnwood the following week.
Separately, the board noted the Park Ridge Community Fund—supported by donations from current and past employees—typically collects roughly $10,000 each year; Dr. Dwyer (not present) reported that the fund is well on its way to meeting that goal this year.
