McHenry Times

Superintendent Susan Harkin recognized staff members who have provided their valuable service to the district for 30 years or more at the Sept. 27 meeting of the District 300 Board of Education.

“So District 300 Board of Education has the honor of recognizing staff members who have served the district for 30 years or more," Harkin said. "During tonight's meeting, the board will recognize individuals who have reached milestones of 30 and 35 years of service in District 300. And on behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to thank each staff member for their tremendous dedication to our students and to our community."

The district recognized several staff members who had achieved 30 years in the district: Bethany Biallas (French teacher at Jacobs High), Lisa Biallas (1st grade teacher at Eastview Elementary), Kimberley Duffey (6th and 7th grade math teacher at Dundee Middle), Kolleen Hanetho (social worker, Hampshire High), Leisa Hastings (4th grade teacher at Eastview Elementary), Pamela Johnson (3rd grade teacher at Liberty Elementary), Jackie Lukasik (cross category resource teacher at Algonquin Middle), William Petersen (Social Studies teacher at Dundee Crown High), Kevin Pokorny (5th grade teacher at Eastview Elementary), Robert Skillman (Social Studies teacher at Dundee Crown High), and Diane York (STEM teacher, Hampshire and Neubert Elementary).

All of the teachers were thanked by the superintendent and the board, and received a plaque and certificate commemorating their dedication to the district. The superintendent also read remarks from each teacher’s principal in honor of their legacies and achievements in their schools, with occasional input and comments from their students.

There were two staff members who were recognized for 35 years of service in the district: Charlene Cross, who is currently serving as a Education Service Generalist in the central office. Her supervisor credits her with transforming special education in the district; and Micheal York was recognized for 35 years; he is currently serving as a language arts teacher at Hampshire Middle, where his principal credits his impact on multiple generations of students.