COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Message From Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell
As we continue this journey together, I am excited to share some wonderful highlights from our 10th edition of Community Connections. This season, our community has many reasons to celebrate, reflect, and look forward with optimism.
In this issue, we dive into the recently released Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) report card offering valuable insights into our district’s accomplishments and the opportunities ahead. In the 2023 - 2024 school year, students in grades 3-8 achieved the highest proficiency levels to date in Math and English Language Arts (ELA) on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) since it was introduced in 2018. At the high school level, York Community High School saw a reduction in chronic absenteeism, reflecting a surge in student engagement and attendance. Additionally, noting the decrease in student outcomes on the SAT, the district and school administration maintain urgency to increase high school students’ growth and achievement as the state transitions from SAT to the ACT.
It was great to celebrate these and many more highlights with the community, staff, teachers and all of our building leaders at the recent State of the District Address. With a commitment to continuous improvement, we remain focused on providing every student with a high-quality, well-rounded education that sets them up for success.
Additionally, we are proud to highlight our partnership with the Elmhurst Public Library. This collaborative effort is creating enriching resources and experiences for our students, both inside and outside the classroom, further supporting their learning journeys.
Our financial stewardship is also a priority, and I’m pleased to highlight some details from our latest budget, designed to strategically allocate resources that empower students and support innovative learning environments. And, on the back page, we celebrate Jefferson Elementary School’s prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award, a testament to the exceptional dedication of our staff and students.
I invite you to explore these updates and more in Community Connections. Together, we’re making strides and building a vibrant future for all students in District 205.
With appreciation for your continued partnership,
D205 Schools are Exemplary & Commendable
Building Lifelong Readers and Lifelong Learners : Elmhurst Public Library Partner
ENGAGE
Foundation 205 Showcase 2025: Bright Futures
Churchville Ribbon Cutting & Math and ELA Parent University 06 2024-25 Budget 07
Registration Information for the 25/26 School Year
Registration for the 25/26 school year begins in January. If you will have a new kindergarten student starting school with us, we invite you to attend our Kindergarten Information Night. Join district and school administrators, along with representatives of parent organizations to:
ຈ Learn about the enrollment process and requirements
ຈ Learn about curricular programming and supports in D205
ຈ Learn about supports and services in place to ensure your student’s success
ຈ Learn how you can get involved and stay informed throughout your student’s educational journey of excellence in D205!
DATE: January 28, 2025
TIME: 6 - 7:30 pm
LOCATION: York Community High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road
D205 SCHOOLS ARE
EXEMPLARY & COMMENDABLE!
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has released the latest State Report Cards, and the results reveal a series of remarkable achievements by students in Elmhurst District 205. This year, students in grades 3-8 achieved the highest proficiency levels to date in Math and English Language Arts (ELA) on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) since it was introduced in 2018. At the high school level, York Community High School recorded an impressive 15 percent reduction in chronic absenteeism, reflecting a surge in student engagement and attendance.
Exemplary and Commendable
The 2024 Illinois State Report Card also underscored the district’s academic and climate excellence, with every school earning an Exemplary or Commendable designation. These designations recognize schools for strong academic performance, high student success rates, and positive learning environments, affirming Elmhurst District 205’s reputation as a leader in education. The Report Card provides a detailed view of school performance, focusing on critical areas such as student achievement, school climate, financial investment, and student success metrics. These designations serve as a valuable tool for educators, families, and community members to understand the strengths and areas for growth within each school.
Record Proficiency Scores in Math and ELA in Grades 3-8
The proficiency gains in Math and ELA among District 205 students underscore the district’s effective strategies in curriculum alignment, data-driven instruction, and targeted student supports. Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell emphasized that the district’s sustained focus on educational rigor, combined with community and family support, has been instrumental in these gains. “Our teachers, staff, and administrators work with intentionality each day to support our students’ learning and growth,” Dr. Campbell stated. “We are committed to continuous improvement, and these results are a testament to the dedication of everyone involved—students, families, staff, and community partners.”
Significant Decrease in Chronic Absenteeism at York High School
A separate area of progress was highlighted in York High School’s notable 15 percent reduction in chronic absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism is defined by the ISBE as missing 10 percent or more of school days for any reason. Research indicates that absenteeism is linked to decreased academic performance, so improvements in this area signify that more students are consistently engaging with their coursework. The shift aligns with the district’s efforts to promote a positive and inclusive school culture, bolstered by initiatives like early
EDUCATE
interventions, attendance incentives, and support systems for students facing challenges outside of school.
Progress in Language Proficiency Among English Learners (ELs)
In addition to Math and ELA achievements, the report card also highlighted language growth for District 205’s English Learners (ELs) across all grade levels. Progress in language proficiency is measured by the EL Progress indicator, which tracks the annual growth students make on the ACCESS assessment. This year, EL students demonstrated substantial progress in language acquisition, a reflection of the district’s efforts to provide targeted language instruction and culturally responsive support. “Our commitment to meeting each student’s unique needs, especially our EL population, is integral to fostering growth,” Dr. Campbell noted. “We are proud of our EL students’ progress and will continue to adapt our support to help them thrive academically and linguistically.”
Significant Strides in Closing Achievement Gaps
One component and an area that the District continues to closely monitor is in ensuring that achievement gaps continue to narrow. The achievement gap data in the State Report Card highlights the difference in academic performance between different ethnic and racial groups, income levels, gender, and special student groups. Specifically, proficiency of students on the IAR assessment in English Language Arts (ELA) who are identified within the low income demographic jumped 13% this year over last year, and proficiency of high school students in the same demographic group jumped 5% in ELA compared to last year.
By supporting all students’ individual academic and socialemotional needs through varied programs and supports, District 205 is able to continue to ensure that all students are continuing to grow each year. Intentional work has been put into place and student data continues to be closely monitored to ensure that instruction is supporting continued growth at the same rates for all students. Katie Lyons, Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Teaching, reflected on the district’s approach to meeting student needs: “We are continuously elevating our approach to align resources, instructional practices, and supports based on data and standards with a focus on intentional work across all grade levels to ensure that instruction enhances student outcomes.”
SAT Performance and Opportunities for Growth
District 205 students met the ISBE target benchmarks for SAT proficiency in evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW) and math, but administrators also noted that there was a decrease in the percentage of students meeting the ISBE benchmarks compared to 2023 - highlighting a key area of continued focus for the District.
The District and school teams maintain urgency in their work as a learning community to continue to increase and elevate student growth and achievement. During the recent Committee of the Whole Board meeting, while discussing the SAT scores, they also looked at the Junior class of 2023 overtime. Comparing the class scores from 8th grade to their scores in 11th grade they noted that, though their learning was particularly disrupted during their middle school years, they have been able to achieve a 13.5 percentage point increase from 8th to 11th grade proficiency in ELA and a 5.5 percentage point increase increase in math—though not to the level of their peers in the class of 2024.
The academic team is currently refining curriculum and instructional approaches to further support students’ growth and readiness for state assessments, ensuring that D205 students continue to be well-prepared for college, career and life.
State of the District Address
Dr. Campbell and the Board of Education recently held the annual State of the District event where they shared a recap and celebrations from the previous school year, important updates and information about school safety through a recent conversation with the Police Chief and took a look at the current and future work of the District to continue educating, engaging and empowering students to be ready for college, career and life. You can view the State of the District address as well as the recent conversation between Chief McLean and Dr. Campbell on the District’s Youtube channel: @ElmhurstD205.
For more details on District 205’s Illinois Report Card data and to explore each school’s performance, visit www. illinoisreportcard.com.
Scan the QR code with your phone to watch the State of the District Address as well as the video discussion with Dr. Campbell and Police Chief Mike McLean.
Building Lifelong Readers and Lifelong Learners
In Elmhurst, an enduring partnership between Elmhurst Public Library (EPL) and Elmhurst School District 205 has consistently sparked a love for literacy, discovery, and creation among students, establishing a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom. This collaboration nurtures students of all ages, from preschoolers taking their first steps in literacy to high school seniors preparing to embark on their next chapters in life. Through a variety of engaging programs, field trips, and hands-on learning experiences, the EPL and District 205 share a common mission: fostering inclusion, promoting independence and cultivating engaged, lifelong learners.
Heather Forster Jensen, a member of the School Services Team at the EPL, explained the critical role of initiatives like “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten,” which are designed to support early childhood literacy by encouraging families to make reading a habit before their children even enter formal schooling. “We want to help develop that early love of reading,” Jensen said, adding that it’s equally about building connections within the community and starting families on a path of regular library visits. By familiarizing young children and their families with the library, EPL is introducing them to a lifelong resource that will continue to support them as they grow. “It’s about making the library a familiar place for them—a natural extension of school,” Jensen said.
EPL’s support doesn’t stop at fostering early childhood literacy. As students advance through elementary and middle school,
they encounter new ways to engage with the library’s diverse resources, from academic support programs to workshops designed to spark curiosity in specific subjects. Shelley Rzewuski, an educator at Lincoln Elementary School, is an advocate for the library’s resources and programs, particularly the first-grade “World of Books” field trip, which introduces young students to the wealth of resources available to them. “They are so excited… they keep asking if they can check things out,” Rzewuski shared. This memorable field trip not only provides a guided tour, it’s also directly aligned to the District’s the First Grade World of Books Wit & Wisdom unit where students learn about how books change lives around the world, creating a meaningful bridge between school and the wider community.
The EPL-District 205 partnership is also dedicated to offering inclusive opportunities for students with a range of needs. Through special programs and staff collaboration, EPL further supports the district’s special needs and multi-needs students, hosting regular library visits where they practice navigating the library independently, searching for books, and becoming more comfortable using public spaces. Jensen highlighted how the program emphasizes building independence in a safe environment: “We work with students on how to use the space, find what they’re interested in, and not always rely on an adult.” Such visits allow students to build confidence and learn valuable life skills, making the library a resource they can depend on throughout their lives.
Middle and high school students continue to benefit from EPL’s offerings, which evolve to meet their growing needs for research, academic support, and personal enrichment. From chamber concerts and author visits to volunteer programs, EPL’s services for older students encourage them to use the library as a hub for learning, community engagement, and even career exploration. District 205 high schoolers, for example, are able to earn volunteer hours through the library while actively contributing to the Elmhurst community. Jensen elaborated on the library’s unique role: “Whether they’re here for a quiet study space, a research project, or a community event, we want the
EDUCATE
library to be a safe space where they can grow, explore, and be themselves.”
The partnership between EPL and District 205 provides an invaluable extension of learning, offering students unique resources and academic support that enrich their school experiences. Mary Greska, Library Media Specialist at Edison Elementary School, described the EPL team as dedicated partners who readily supply materials on niche topics, lend valuable resources, and even visit schools to assist with special events. “Their librarians are always there for us,” Greska said, noting that EPL’s commitment makes a real difference in expanding students’ horizons. For District 205 students, EPL isn’t
just a library; it’s a second educational space, complementing the district’s own Library Media Centers. “Our kids are very, very fortunate to be served by two great libraries,” Greska affirmed. Promoting a strong, enduring partnership between each, our building Library Media Centers and the EPL underscores the Elmhurst community’s strong commitment to education and literacy, empowering students to think, create, share, and grow.
This vibrant relationship between Elmhurst Public Library and District 205 goes beyond academics—it’s about instilling lifelong habits, cultivating active community members, and empowering students to become confident learners. For Elmhurst’s youth, EPL isn’t just a library; it’s a resource that grows with them, meeting their needs at every stage of their educational journey. Jensen summed it up well, saying, “We hope the library becomes a safe space where students can learn, grow, and be themselves.” The EPL-District 205 partnership ensures that every student in Elmhurst has the chance to explore their potential, one book at a time, creating a foundation for lifelong learning and community engagement.
EXCELLENT EDUCATORS EMPOWER
Meet Kirsten Zinzer! Kirsten is an English Teacher at York High School. She has worked for District 205 for six years.
Her favorite part of teaching is the collaborative and supportive environment created by her talented colleagues. She’s motivated daily by her students, finding fulfillment not only in their academic growth but in knowing them personally—their activities, interests, and journeys both inside and outside the classroom.
Scan the QR code with your phone to watch interviews with the teachers, staff and students
Scan the QR code to learn more about what Kirsten thinks is the best part of serving the students, community and staff of District 205
Strategic Investments & Financial Stability
The 2024-25 Elmhurst District 205 budget highlights the district’s commitment to long-term financial stability and continued investment in educational excellence. Thanks to prudent decision-making in previous years, the district has been able to utilize reserve funds efficiently, using only $4.8 million of the $10.7 million budgeted for reserves in 2022-23, and $5.4 million of the $7.9 million budgeted in 2023-24. This financial discipline allows the district to make strategic investments in key areas that support student achievement and future growth.
Visit
to view the budget for the 20242025 school year
FACILITIES AND CAPITAL PROJECTS
The 2024-25 budget includes significant investments in facilities, with ongoing improvements at schools such as Churchville, Hawthorne, Madison, and York. These improvements are part of the district’s long-term plan to create safe, modern learning environments. The budget also reflects a transfer of $7 million from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Capital Projects Fund, allowing the district to fund critical facility upgrades without needing to rely on additional reserves.
In recognition of these efforts, Elmhurst District 205 recently received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for the fiscal year ending 2023. This prestigious award is a significant accomplishment, highlighting the district’s commitment to transparency and high-quality financial reporting. The Certificate of Excellence Review Team also provided feedback for improving future reports, which the district will address to ensure the highest standards of financial reporting in the next application cycle.
The 2024-25 budget places a strong emphasis on investments that directly benefit students and improve their learning environment. Key areas of investment include:
CURRICULUM RESOURCES AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
The district continues to prioritize the adoption of highquality instructional materials in literacy, social studies, and math, ensuring that all students have access to the best resources. These materials are paired with robust professional learning opportunities for educators to support improved instructional practices. This alignment has already shown significant academic growth, with an increase in student proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, as well as a notable reduction in chronic absenteeism.
STUDENT CENTERED STAFFING
The district has made critical investments in staffing to support expanded programming. This includes additional staffing for bilingual education and a newly designed middle school schedule that provides more instructional time in science and social studies while preserving electives. Staffing increases in student services—such as speech language, social work, and special education—are also essential to meet the diverse needs of students. The district’s strategic staffing decisions are designed to ensure that all students receive the support and instruction they need to succeed.
TECHNOLOGY AND MODERNIZATION
The district is modernizing its technology infrastructure, including replacing the main network data center and upgrading district office firewalls. Additionally, the district is transitioning to Mac laptops for certified staff to align with student devices, which will result in $80,000 in savings in hardware procurement costs.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
In a preliminary review of the Annual Financial Report, District 205 will be in the ISBE highest category “Recognition” with a 3.80 out of a potential 4.00 for the Financial Profile Designation. The district’s focus on fiscal responsibility, coupled with its substantial investments in curriculum, staffing, facilities, and technology, ensures that Elmhurst District 205 is positioned for continued academic success and financial health. These strategic investments in the 2024-25 budget will further strengthen the district’s ability to provide a high-quality education for all students.
