Board of Education

Donna Wandke

Adopt-A-School Assignments: Ellsworth Elementary, River Woods Elementary, Lincoln Junior High

First elected: 2013

Current term expires: 2025

Number of terms served and when: Third term

Profession/day job: Youth Ministry Leader and Community Volunteer

Relevant degrees/life experience/volunteer activities: Master of Education with a concentration in administration and supervision from National-Louis University; Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Athletic Training from Elmhurst College; Mathematics Teacher at Naperville North High School, 1992-2000; Education Teacher at North Central College, 1999-2000, Instructor for Mathematics Methods for Elementary School Teachers; Distinguished Educator Nominations; Standard-Bearer School District Process Assessment Design Team Member; K-12 Mathematics Curriculum Committee; Staff Development Leader for technology; Statistical Analysis of IGAP scores; School Improvement Interdisciplinary Design Team; Transportation Cost Analysis for District 203; Curriculum and assessment development; “Those Who Excel” Community Award; Chaired and/or participated in eight Home & School Committees; Initiated and developed Chess Program at Scott School; Initiated and developed Curriculum Connections at Scott School; Committee Chair Boy Scout Troop; Silver Acorn Award in Scouting; Mathematics Tutor; Den Leader Cub Scout Pack and Hiking Club Chair; President of Preschool Parent Board and Advisory Board Member; Award for outstanding contributor to Preschool.

Parent of District 203 students: Yes, three sons are graduates of Naperville 203.

Educational philosophy: Every student is capable of learning and progressing to reach goals that enable  them to succeed as they become adults. Our goal as a district should be to provide students with the opportunities, experiences, resources, and support that are necessary for them to reach their goals. This is done in an environment that is caring and nurturing, meeting not only the academic needs of the student but providing opportunities for social and emotional growth. To prepare them to be life-long learners, we should encourage students to question the world around them and to seek answers. The most learning occurs when we are given a safe environment to step out of our box and expand our comfort zone to allow for growth. All of this is made possible through the responsible use of resources from our school district, highly-qualified professionals working with our students, and parents and community members contributing to the school system. A community that values education instills the value of learning in its youth. The education of our youth is our future.