District 205 recognizes recently-elected Board members
On Tuesday, April 25, the newly elected members of the Elmhurst District 205 Board of Education were seated. They include incumbents Jim Collins and Margaret Harrell, as well as newcomer Kara Caforio. You may read about Mr. Collins and Dr. Harrell, as well as other D205 Board members at elmhurst205.org/boemembers.
Welcome, Kara Caforio
Mrs. Kara Caforio was elected to the Board of Education in 2017. Caforio has lived in Elmhurst for 13 years. She and her husband, Jonathan, have three children who attend District 205 schools. Prior to her election to the Board, she was heavily involved in the Elmhurst PTA, chairing numerous committees for the Emerson and Churchville PTAs and serving as the Emerson PTA Vice President and President. Additionally, she has worked with the greater Elmhurst community while serving as the Elmhurst PTA Council Vice-President and President and the Co-chair of the District’s Focus 205 Community Engagement Process.
Caforio has been honored with the Those Who Excel Award of Meritorious Service from the Illinois State Board of Education, the Distinguished Service Program Award of Excellence from the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA), and recognized as a 2017 Honoree by the Illinois Association of School Administrators.
Caforio holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, with a specialization in mathematics, from Elmhurst College. She is a former second grade teacher in Glendale Heights, fifth grade teacher in Lake Zurich and a management and technology consultant with Accenture, LLP.
Her philosophy of education: “Advancing the legacy of great education in Elmhurst will not happen by accident. Together, we must consider the unique needs of our students, teachers and support staff, the pace of innovation within education and the challenges of public funding, all while preparing our children for their future with a meaningful and excellent education, regardless of their academic ability or socioeconomic background.”
Farewell to Emily Bastedo
And lastly, the Board bid a fond farewell to Emily Bastedo and presented her with a plaque honoring her four years of service. Board President Shannon Ebner read a statement giving a farewell salute to Bastedo.
“Emily has been an excellent board member for the past four years, and we will miss her insights and contributions,” Ebner said. “…She stayed focused on the big picture and empowered staff to pursue District goals. She trusted the administration to do their jobs and was able to delegate the day-to-day work of the District to the superintendent and staff.”
“Emily has nurtured a positive and inviting board culture. … We are grateful for her contributions and wish her the best!”
