BOE President's Message
Dear District 62 Students, Families and Staff,
I am honored to serve a second year as the President of the Board of Education for Community Consolidated School District 62. My husband and I are proud Des Plaines residents for 16 years, and have two children: a current student in D62, and the other is a D62 alum. I have been fortunate to engage students, families, and staff in our schools as a parent volunteer, which inspired me to serve the entire Des Plaines community as a Board of Education Member.
During the past 5 years on the Board, I have witnessed the dedication, care, and professionalism that our teachers and staff have in their classrooms (and beyond) and I could not be more grateful.
The Board of Education is a group of volunteer, elected officials that are committed to public education in District 62. We are parents of current and former students and community members who take our role as stewards of taxpayer money seriously.
The Board of Education has a clear purpose: manage district funds, set district policy, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and monitor the district’s performance.
In April of 2024, the Board of Education adopted a Strategic Plan for 2024-2029. It is through this Plan that our goals of high student achievement, a stimulating and inclusive learning environment, investment in our workforce, community engagement, and effective and equitable use of resources will be reached. This Plan guides the work that is accomplished in our district.
As part of the Plan, we are very excited to implement full day kindergarten in the fall of 2026. I cannot stress enough how proud I am of the work done across departments, including kindergarten staff, administration, curriculum, transportation, construction, and maintenance. We are thrilled to welcome our first class of full day kindergartners this fall. We are also implementing a districtwide literacy plan, continuing to use student data to drive instructional decisions, and remain focused on social emotional wellness for both students and staff. All of these things promise a strong future in District 62.
I am looking forward to all we can still accomplish in raising student achievement, closing achievement gaps, and increasing community engagement. Indeed we have work ahead of us, but I am confident that all of us collectively working together will make a positive difference for the students of Community Consolidated School District 62.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Massa
The Board of Education has a clear purpose: manage district funds, set district policy, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and monitor the district’s performance.
In April of 2024, the Board of Education adopted a Strategic Plan for 2024-2029. It is through this Plan that our goals of high student achievement, a stimulating and inclusive learning environment, investment in our workforce, community engagement, and effective and equitable use of resources will be reached. This Plan guides the work that is accomplished in our district.
As part of the Plan, we are very excited to implement full day kindergarten in the fall of 2026. I cannot stress enough how proud I am of the work done across departments, including kindergarten staff, administration, curriculum, transportation, construction, and maintenance. We are thrilled to welcome our first class of full day kindergartners this fall. We are also implementing a districtwide literacy plan, continuing to use student data to drive instructional decisions, and remain focused on social emotional wellness for both students and staff. All of these things promise a strong future in District 62.
I am looking forward to all we can still accomplish in raising student achievement, closing achievement gaps, and increasing community engagement. Indeed we have work ahead of us, but I am confident that all of us collectively working together will make a positive difference for the students of Community Consolidated School District 62.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Massa
Board President, District 62
Community Consolidated School District 62
Leon Smaage Administration Center
777 East Algonquin Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Leon Smaage Administration Center
777 East Algonquin Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
-From the office of the President of the Board of Education
elizabeth massa
President
Board Member since 2021
Term Expires 2027