After its monthly business meeting tonight, the District 39 Board of Education held a reorganization meeting to celebrate three outgoing members and swear in three new members ahead of the 2025-26 school year. The Board expressed its gratitude to Jon Cesaretti, Bonnie Kim, and Lisa Schneider-Fabes for their dedicated service to the District 39 learning community.
Cesaretti and Schneider-Fabes leave the Board having both served two four-year terms. Cesaretti recently served as the chairperson for the School Finance Committee while Schneider-Fabes chaired the Board’s Strategy Committee. Kim, who joined the Board in 2021, most recently chaired the Facilities Development Committee while serving as co-Board liaison for the Intergovernmental Cooperation Working Group. In addition to helping D39 navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the trio also oversaw the installation of air conditioning to all classrooms and have helped D39 prepare for the transition to full-day kindergarten in Fall 2025. District 39 is extremely appreciative of their contributions to the success of D39 and our students during their tenure.
The Board then swore in Judy Berlin, Kristin de Castro, and Katie Hilton, three new members who were elected earlier this spring. Berlin is a former educator and longtime resident of Wilmette whose children and grandchildren were/are educated in D39 schools. Hilton and de Castro are current residents in the Harper and Central neighborhoods, respectively , with children attending D39 schools. District 39 is excited to welcome them and are looking forward to their input and guidance over the duration of their term.
Wilmette Public Schools District 39 serves approximately 3,200 students in PreK-8th grade throughout Wilmette and in parts of Glenview. A District 39 education engages, empowers, and inspires its students to lead academically successful, socially responsible, compassionate, and purposeful lives. District 39 is committed to providing a safe and equitable learning environment that fosters a mindset of empathy, respect and belonging for all students and staff.