This is my last day as superintendent of Community Consolidated School District 89 and I would like to thank you for your support during my 16 years in this wonderful place. It has been a joy to serve a district where families have such strong support for public education.
Last week was memorable for me. I stopped by our summer school classrooms at Briar Glen. The kids were so excited to share what they were learning from their teachers. I also attended my last meeting with the CCSD 89 Board of Education - seven residents who volunteer their time and energy to make these schools the best they can possibly be.
Students, teachers, and local families: that’s a powerful team. It is the partnership that makes public schools the bedrock of our community.
Public education has become so integrated into our daily lives that it can sometimes be difficult to see how miraculous this institution truly is. Our public schools are a promise from the community that every single child will have access to resources and services that will inspire them and support their learning.
Year after year, District 89 families have stepped up to ensure kids have what they need. Sometimes that meant collecting food or clothing (or pennies!) to help others. Sometimes that meant celebrating together at a school concert or event. Sometimes it was talking to neighbors about the need to ensure schools remain safe and warm. Each time, families partnered with our staff to improve the life of a child. That’s tangible proof of this community’s priorities and values.
As you already know, Doug Eccarius will officially be the superintendent starting tomorrow. Since being selected in April, Doug has met with students and staff at all five schools. I’ve also had the pleasure to meet with him several times over the last few months. He’s smart, kind, engaging, and incredibly excited to be a part of this district. Most important: he cares deeply about kids being successful. This district is in great hands.
I leave with so many memories but the ones I will carry most close to my heart are the smiles on students’ faces as they walk into their classrooms. Public education is where the exceptional happens every day thanks to you. My hope is the schools always remain a centerpiece that draws people to this community and draws people together within the community.
Thank you for welcoming me to this community. I hope that together, we have made this place a little better and a little stronger. It has been an honor. I’m so grateful we shared this time together.
Sincerely,
Emily Tammaru
