Board of Directors
President: Julia Kennedy Beckman
President: Julia Kennedy Beckman
President: Julia Kennedy Beckman
Julia Kennedy Beckman is a community member and former long-term District 99 Board of Education President serving for 24 years. Beckman has served on the Foundation board since 2017. Beckman’s four children graduated from South High.
Vice President: Megan Schroeder
President: Julia Kennedy Beckman
President: Julia Kennedy Beckman
Megan Schroeder is a community member and realtor at Platinum Realty in downtown Downers Grove. Schroeder is a former District 99 Board of Education member serving from 2003-2011 and has served on the Foundation board since 2011. Both of Schroeder's daughters graduated from South High.
Treasurer: Diane Richard
President: Julia Kennedy Beckman
Treasurer: Diane Richard
Diane Richard, Treasurer, is a community member and former special services teacher at South High (2003-11). Diane has served as the Foundation's Treasurer since 2014, and also served from 1999-2005. All three of her children graduated from South High School.
Secretary: Maura Bates
Donor Relations Chair: Debi Savage
Donor Relations Chair: Debi Savage
Maura Bates is a community member and science teacher at Benet Academy High School. Bates has served on the Foundation board since 2017.
Donor Relations Chair: Debi Savage
Donor Relations Chair: Debi Savage
Donor Relations Chair: Debi Savage
Debi Savage is a community member and an Assistant Dean of Faculty at Chamberlain University and Professor teaching evidence-based practice to RN-BSN students. For nearly 30 years, Savage has practiced clinical nursing in labor and delivery, home health, and emergency nursing and has held several leadership positions at local hospitals
Debi Savage is a community member and an Assistant Dean of Faculty at Chamberlain University and Professor teaching evidence-based practice to RN-BSN students. For nearly 30 years, Savage has practiced clinical nursing in labor and delivery, home health, and emergency nursing and has held several leadership positions at local hospitals.
Savage is an elected Trustee and VP on the Will County Regional Office of Education, Chairwoman for the IL Health Facilities & Services Review Board, Community Service Chair for the Exchange Club of Northern Will County, and Vice-Chair of the Citizens Against Abuse. Savage is a proud South High alumna.
Grant Chair: Donna Dawson
Donor Relations Chair: Debi Savage
Pizza Wars Chair: Martha Merilos
Donna Dawson is a community member and former employee of McDonald’s Corporation for 37 years. Dawson’s son Brian graduated from South High School in 2018 and now attends College of DuPage.
Pizza Wars Chair: Martha Merilos
Pizza Wars Chair: Martha Merilos
Pizza Wars Chair: Martha Merilos
Martha Merilos is a community member and former social studies teacher at North High. Merilos taught from 1978-2010 and has been on the Foundation board since 2002. Merilos continues to substitute teach at DGN.
Board Member: Mike Heinz
Pizza Wars Chair: Martha Merilos
Board Member: Mike Heinz
Mike Heinz is a community member, current North High Science Department Chair and has been working for District 99 since 2011. Heinz’s older daughter Sarah graduated from North High in 2018 and is currently attending Northern Illinois University majoring in elementary education. His youngest daughter, Megan, is currently a student at North High.
Board Member: Pam Kalafut
Pizza Wars Chair: Martha Merilos
Board Member: Mike Heinz
Pam Kalafut is a community member, current D99 substitute teacher, and former art and photography teacher and Activities Director at Hinsdale Central High School. She continues to teach at the Wellness House of Hinsdale and the Community House, in addition to serving as a board member for the Palumbo Family Foundation and Hinsdale Central
Pam Kalafut is a community member, current D99 substitute teacher, and former art and photography teacher and Activities Director at Hinsdale Central High School. She continues to teach at the Wellness House of Hinsdale and the Community House, in addition to serving as a board member for the Palumbo Family Foundation and Hinsdale Central Foundation. Kalafut is a South High alum and her three sons graduated from North High.
Ex-Officio
District 99 Superintendent: Dr. Hank Thiele
District 99 Superintendent: Dr. Hank Thiele
District 99 Superintendent: Dr. Hank Thiele
Dr. Hank Thiele is the District 99 Superintendent and a Foundation Ex-Officio member.
Board of Education Representative: Terry Pavesich
District 99 Superintendent: Dr. Hank Thiele
District 99 Superintendent: Dr. Hank Thiele
Terry Pavesich is a community member and has served on the District 99 Board of Education since 2005. Pavesich has served as a Foundation Ex-Officio member since 2006. Pavesich's three children graduated from South High.
District 99 Communications Specialist: Kristin Kelly
District 99 Superintendent: Dr. Hank Thiele
District 99 Communications Specialist: Kristin Kelly
Kristin Kelly is the District 99 Communications Specialist and a Foundation Ex-Officio member.