The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education voted during a regular meeting Monday, Jan. 9 to renew Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli’s contract for an additional three years, beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020. All Board members present at the meeting unanimously voted to renew this contract.
“Under Dr. Cremascoli’s leadership, District 58 has moved forward and achieved many accomplishments,” said Board President John Cooper. “We’ve kept a balanced budget while increasing certified staff positions, we’ve made important safety and facility updates, and we’ve expanded our instructional programs, technology services, and teacher professional development opportunities. We still have a lot of progress to make, but the District 58 Board of Education feels confident that Dr. Cremascoli and her team are the right people to continue this important work.”
Dr. Cremascoli has served as District 58’s superintendent since July 2012. Under her leadership, the District has annually achieved its strategic goals while continuing to ensure high quality teaching and learning for students. During her tenure, District 58:
- Achieved significant facilities improvements, such as enhanced building safety and security, as well as new roofs, flooring and mechanical systems
- Consistently maintained a balanced budget and the highest possible financial recognition for the District
- Piloted and launched the District’s 1:1 technology program, with District recognition as an Apple Distinguished Schools Program
- Added a variety of educational programs, such as the Optional Kindergarten Enrichment and Enhancement Program (OKEEP), the Biliteracy Program, the MAP assessment program, instructional coaching and expanded in-district special education classes
- Enhanced differentiation and guided instruction to ensure students receive the support and the academic challenge that they need
- Updated the curriculum review process to include strong collaboration with teachers and administration; incorporated the new, more rigorous Common Core State Standards; and worked to provide teachers with additional resources and professional development to enhance their instruction
- Expanded social-emotional learning programming and provided teachers and staff with related professional development
- Revised the District’s principal and teacher evaluation models to align with the state’s new requirements
- Increased and expanded the variety of professional development opportunities available to staff
- Created additional opportunities for partnership and communication with the community at large.
“I would like to thank the Board, the District 58 staff and the Downers Grove community for their support of our District,” Dr. Cremascoli said. “District 58 has so much to celebrate within its long list of accomplishments including, most importantly, the outstanding education our students receive. While I am proud of all that our District has achieved over the past five years, these accomplishments truly reflect the hard work and collaboration of our teachers, principals, staff and students together as well as the tremendous support we receive from our parents and the community at large. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve as superintendent of this incredible district.”
Dr. Cremascoli, her husband, Brian, and their three children reside in Downers Grove. Their children all attend District 58 schools.