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Cary School District 26

Engage, Empower, Excel

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Cary SD 26 School Board

 

Our school board is dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can achieve academic excellence and personal growth in a safe and supportive setting.

As elected representatives of our community, we are committed to making informed decisions that shape the future of our schools. Our responsibilities include:

  • Policy Development: Crafting and implementing policies that promote high educational standards and equity.
  • Budget Oversight: Ensuring that financial resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to support student learning and well-being.
  • Superintendent Supervision: Collaborating with and providing oversight for the Superintendent to ensure the district's strategic goals are met.
  • Curriculum and Instruction: Evaluating and approving curricula that meet the diverse needs of our students and prepare them for future success.
  • Facilities Management: Overseeing the maintenance and improvement of school facilities to provide a safe and conducive learning environment.
  • Community Engagement: Encouraging active participation from parents, students, teachers, and community members to foster a collaborative educational community.

Our mission is to support every student in reaching their full potential by prioritizing safety, equity, and excellence in all our decisions. We invite you to explore our initiatives, participate in our meetings, and join us in our dedication to student success and safety.

Cary School District 26 is governed by a School Board consisting of seven members. The Board’s powers and duties include the authority to adopt, enforce, and monitor all policies for the management and governance of the District’s schools.

Our Mission

The District 26 community is committed to providing a nurturing atmosphere where our students have a desire to learn and develop as critical thinkers and innovative creators who contribute to the world with integrity and purpose beyond themselves

Our Vision

We envision a learning environment where all are safe and belong, so teaching and learning are the focus of our work and the catalyst for success.

Meet the Board Members

Looking to send a message to all members of the Cary District 26 Board of Education? Email them at: d26.boardofeducation@cary26.org

Julie Jette

Board President Start Year: 2019 Current Term: 2025-2029 Required Board Training: Open Meetings Act 6/2019 Performance Evaluation Reform Act 5/2013 Professional Development Leadership Training 5/2013

Melinda Hartman

Vice President Start Year: 2019 Current Term: 2025-2029 Required Board Training Open Meetings Act 5/2019 Performance Evaluation Reform Act 10/2019 Professional Development Leadership Training 10/2019

Stacey Sault

Secretary Start Year: 2021 Current Term: 2025-2029 Required Board Training Open Meetings Act 5/2021 Performance Evaluation Reform Act 10/2021 Professional Development Leadership Training 10/2021 The Basics of Governance 9/2021

Jason Janczak

Start Year: 2019 Current Term: 2023-2027 Required Board Training Open Meetings Act 6/2019 Performance Evaluation Reform Act 6/2019 Professional Development Leadership Training 2/2020

Kathryn Potter

Start Year: 2019 Current Term: 2023-2027 Required Board Training: Open Meetings Act 6/2019 Performance Evaluation Reform Act 6/2019 Professional Development Leadership Training 6/2019 The Basics of Governance 6/2019 PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 104: The Spring 2020 Triple Whammy! 7/2020

Bridgette Sanlon

Start Year: 2025 Current Term: 2025-2029 Required Board Training: Open Meetings Act 6/2025 Performance Evaluation Reform Act 3/2024 Professional Development Leadership Training 6/2019 The Basics of Governance 3/2026

Dee Darling

Start Year: 2019 Current Term: 2023-2027 Required Board Training: Open Meetings Act 6/2019 Performance Evaluation Reform Act 6/2019 Professional Development Leadership Training 6/2019 The Basics of Governance 6/2019

Board Election

Board Election: April 6, 2027

School board members seeking re-election and new candidates running for local boards of education can begin circulating nominating petitions on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 for the 2027 Consolidated Election.

The term of office for Board of Education members is four (4) years. The Consolidated Election is Tuesday, April 6, 2027, with newly elected Board members being seated at the April 2027 Board of Education Meeting. Candidates must file in McHenry County.

Petition filing at the McHenry County Clerk’s Office will begin on Monday, November 16, 2026 and will close on Monday, November 23, 2026.

Key Dates for Candidates

Illinois Association of School Board

McHenry County Clerk’s Office

Filing Locations:

  • McHenry County Clerk’s Office      
    667 Ware Road, Suite 107
    Woodstock, IL 60098

 

Additional Representative Appointments

Curriculum Chair

Dee Darling

Finance Chair

Jason Janczak

Policy Chair

Kathryn Potter

Board Insurance Committee

Melinda Hartman Stacey Sault

Board Legislative Liaison

Dee Darling Kathryn Potter

Community Engagement/Planning Committee

Dee Darling Stacey Sault

Ethics Commission

Dee Darling Kathryn Potter Belinda Quinones

Technology Committee

Bridgette Sanlon Kathryn Potter