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Meet the Board of Education
Rita Balgeman
President
balgemanr@wego33.orgFirst Elected: 2019
Re-Elected: 2023
Term Expires: 202724/25 Adopted Schools: Gary
Morgan Banasiak
Vice President
banasiakm@wego33.orgFirst Elected: 2021
Term Expires: 202524/25 Adopted Schools: LMS
Tom Doyle
Secretary
doylet@wego33.orgFirst Elected: 2019
Re-Elected 2023
Term Expires: 202724/25 Adopted School: Indian Knoll
Felicia Gills
Member
gillsf@wego33.orgFirst Elected: 2021
Term Expires: 202524/25 Adopted School: Turner
Janette Hernandez
Member
hernandezjanette@wego33.org
First Elected: 2023
Term Expires: 202724/25 Adopted School: Preschool
Chad McLean
Member
mcleanc@wego33.orgFirst Elected: 2017
Term Expires: 202524/25 Adopted School: Wegner
Sandra Garcia
Member
garciaschoolboard@wego33.orgFirst Elected: 2021
Term Expires: 202524/25 Adopted School: Currier
Shared Agreements
- Make decisions according to what is best for ALL District 33 students.
- Respect staff and other board members and their opinions.
- Be willing to see things from the eyes of seven (7) people, not just one (1).
- Allow everyone to complete their thoughts.
- Commit to shared leadership.
- Respect confidentiality.
- Adhere to our belief in our students' full potential and successful future.
(Revised November 6, 2014)
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Board Salutes
The Board of Education would like to recognize individuals of the District 33 community - which includes all staff members, students, bus drivers, parents/guardians, and guardians - for actions that build a positive culture and climate in District 33.
This "shout-out" will take place at Board meetings as an agenda item called "Board Salute" and will become part of the official minutes.
If you know someone who deserves a "Board Salute," please complete this form.
November 7, 2024
This board salute goes to Silvia Carrasco, Family Liaison, Birth to Three Program.
“I’d like to take a moment to give a heartfelt shout-out to Silvia Carrasco. She truly cares about our families, and many stay in touch even after leaving the program, highlighting the deep bonds she creates. Silvia is kind, understanding, and incredibly patient. She goes above and beyond to accommodate the families she works with. In one instance, recognizing how much a particular family would benefit from the program, she met with them on Saturdays twice a month when weekdays were challenging for their schedule.
She’s always ready to help the Birth to Three program implement strategies from the curriculum, and her dedication to our community is inspiring. With over 20 years of service, Silvia is an outstanding family liaison, and we are lucky to have her! Thank you, Silvia, for all that you do!”
~ Esther Romo-Ortiz, Family Liaison, Birth to Three Program
October 17, 2024
This board salute goes to Brett Jacobson, Social Worker, Leman Middle School.
“Brett is a social worker at Leman Middle School. His primary focus is on supporting students who have behavior concerns and may need to take a "pause" from their regular school day and think about more appropriate behavior. However, Brett jumped into completely unknown territory for the past month and supported Wegner students struggling with a new school year. When Maggie Lay and I first approached Brett about helping out at Wegner, he was very upfront about his experience of only being with older students. He acknowledged that his toolbox for supporting kindergarten students wasn't quite full, but he was more than willing to go where needed. Brett spent a month at Wegner, every day, learning more and more about kindergarten and 1st grade. From the first day, he jumped in and found ways to connect with students and staff. Brett went “Above and Beyond” to support Wegner, and we couldn't be more appreciative of his willingness to go where he is most needed.”
~ Sherri Massa, Director of Student Services
October 3, 2024
This board salute goes to the Technology Team.
“Today, I’m honored to take a moment to recognize the incredible work and dedication of our Tech Department. The D33 Tech Team consists of Daisy Fernandez, Debra Foreman, Debbie Fouts, Eddie Fuentes, Emmanuel Ortiz, Raymond Snowden, Leo Toxtel, and Michael Webster. In our ever-evolving landscape, the tech team has been the backbone of our success, navigating challenges with expertise and innovation.
Their work every day and especially during the summer and start of the school year has been nothing short of outstanding. From solving complex problems to implementing cutting-edge solutions, they’ve demonstrated a level of skill and commitment that truly sets them apart.
It’s not just about the big wins, though. The countless hours of troubleshooting, the seamless integration of new systems and equipment, and the constant support they provide have a profound impact on our daily operations. Their resilience, creativity, and collaborative spirit are key reasons we continue to thrive.
These accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and ingenuity. But beyond the tangible results, it’s the dedication and passion of each member that truly makes a difference. The D33 Tech Department exemplifies what it means to be a committed and collaborative team.
To the entire team: thank you. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. Your skills are critical to our success, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible and keep driving forward with the same enthusiasm and excellence."
~ Matt Ryan, Director of Technology
September 5, 2024
This board salute goes to Emily Hernandez, Teacher, Turner Elementary School.
“Emily Hernandez was instrumental to our Summer School program’s success this year. She effectively communicated with students, staff, families, and district administrators, ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment. Many staff members wanted the program to continue, and 100% of families found the experience enjoyable, with 91% expressing interest in enrolling their children again next year. This success is a testament to Ms. Hernandez’s leadership skills. We appreciate her dedication to our staff, students, and families.”
~ Jenny Brunke, Assistant Director for Teaching & Learning
This board salute goes to Arturo Arvizu, Instructional Coach, Wegner Elementary School.
“Arturo Arvizu was instrumental in making Kinder Camp a great experience for students and families. His communication with families, staff, and district administrators was timely and effective. Feedback from parents highlighted the camp’s organization and their children’s clear understanding of daily activities. Many families were excited about the upcoming school year and wished Kinder Camp could be longer. Arturo's leadership was essential to this success. We greatly appreciate his dedication to our staff, students, and families.”
~ Jenny Brunke, Assistant Director for Teaching & Learning