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Downers Grove District 58 approves superintendent contract extension, names new director of technology
Summary
At a May 18 special meeting, the Downers Grove School District 58 Board of Education approved a 2026–2031 contract for Superintendent Kevin Russell and voted to appoint Dr. Cali Salami as director of technology, effective July 1, 2026.
The Downers Grove School District 58 Board of Education on May 18 approved a five-year extension for Superintendent Kevin Russell and appointed Dr. Cali Salami as the district’s director of technology, the board announced at a special meeting held at the Downers Grove Civic Center and livestreamed on the Village of Downers Grove’s YouTube channel.
The board voted to approve the superintendent’s employment contract covering 2026 through 2031. After a motion, the clerk called roll; Members Alchic, Bernard, Doshi and Hughes voted yes and the motion carried. The agenda item described the action as approval of the 2026–2031 superintendent employment contract “as presented.” No mover or seconder were named on the record.
The board then moved to appoint Dr. Cali Salami as director of technology, effective July 1, 2026. The motion was carried on a roll-call vote with Members Alchic, Bernard, Doshi and Hughes recorded as voting yes. The appointment followed a district-led interview process described by a district representative, who outlined Salami’s background in instructional technology and leadership.
A district representative summarized Salami’s experience, saying she served for the last 10 years as a technology coach at Lyons Township High School and earlier was a science teacher at McClure Junior High in Western Springs District 101. The representative said Salami holds a 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. The representative also noted Salami’s recognition for work involving artificial intelligence and educational technology.
Dr. Cali Salami addressed the board and community, saying, “One of my passions is technology and learning and AI, and I’m really excited to apply all of those to this role.”
Board members offered congratulations for both approvals. A board member congratulated Superintendent Kevin Russell on the contract extension; Russell responded, “I want to thank the board for continuing to put your trust in me as the leader of the school district,” and said he looks forward to serving through the term.
The meeting lasted approximately six minutes from the call to order through adjournment; a pledge of allegiance and public comment instructions were included, and no public comment cards had been submitted at the time the public comment period opened. The board adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
Votes at a glance: - Superintendent employment contract (2026–2031): Approved. Recorded yes votes — Members Alchic, Bernard, Doshi, Hughes; absent — Members Ellis, Hannis, Thomas. - Appointment of director of technology (Dr. Cali Salami), effective July 1, 2026: Approved. Recorded yes votes — Members Alchic, Bernard, Doshi, Hughes; absent — Members Ellis, Hannis, Thomas.
