The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education appointed Geoff Neustadt as the District’s assistant director of buildings and grounds and Katie Novosel as Lester School’s assistant principal. Both administrators began their new roles on July 1, 2016.
Neustadt brings a wealth of knowledge to the assistant director of buildings and grounds position, having served District 58 for nearly 25 years. During his tenure here, he has performed a variety of roles, including a grounds crewman, maintenance assistant, network technician assistant and, most recently, maintenance mechanic.
As the assistant director of buildings and grounds, Neustadt recommends priorities for facilities projects, supervises the District warehouse’s daily operations, and works with the director of buildings and grounds to ensure all facility projects are done in an efficient and responsible manner.
Novosel previously served Riverside District 96 for two years as a math response to intervention (RTI) specialist and two years at Lyons District 103 as a reading RTI specialist. Prior to that, Novosel taught first grade for seven years. She holds a Master of Arts in Principal Preparation with Administrative Certification and a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction with ESL Endorsement, both from Concordia University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with Elementary Education Certification from Illinois State University.
As the assistant principal, Novosel will work with her building’s principal to lead the school and create and sustain a culture of high expectations.
“We are very pleased to have both Geoff Neustadt and Katie Novosel join our District 58 administrative team!” said Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli. “They both bring a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to their new positions, and they have already proven to be important assets to the District.”
Four new administrators joined the District 58 team for the 2016-17 school year. In addition to Neustadt and Novosel, the District also welcomed David Bein as its assistant superintendent for business/chief school business official and Ken Young as its director of buildings and grounds.