The mission of District 58, in partnership with parents and community, is to challenge and engage each child by providing quality educational programs and support services in a safe, nurturing, and child-centered environments in order to prepare all students to be lifelong learners and contributing members of a global society.

School district office
1860 63rd Street
Phone: 630-719-5800
Superintendent of Schools: Paul C. Zaander
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Staff Development: Jayne Yudzentis
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction: Cathie Pezanoski
Controller: Dr. James Popernik, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Special Services: Terrence Martin
Director of Business Services: Lorie Pilster
Director of Technology: Scott Meech
Director of Buildings and Grounds: Rick Bubula
Coordinator of Communications: Jennifer Waldorf

District history
According to board minutes, District 2 became District 58 on April 19, 1902; a separate high school district, District 99, was formed in 1923. District 58’s “newest” schools, Belle Aire and El Sierra, were constructed and opened in 1969. District 58 serves approximately 5,000 preschool through eighth grade students from Downers Grove and portions of Darien, Oak Brook, Westmont and Woodridge in its 11 elementary and two middle schools.

Teachers and staff
Approximately 642 full and part-time employees
Pupil-to-teacher ratio: 23 to 1
Percentage of teachers with master’s degrees and above: 67
Average years teaching experience: 10 years

Finances
2011-2012 annual budget: $58.3 million
Expenditures:

• Education: $47.2 million (81 percent)
• Operations and Maintenance: $4.4 million (7.5 percent)
• Transportation: $2.2 million (3.8 percent)
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund: $1.8 million (3.1 percent)
• Life Safety: $1.4 million (2.4 percent)
• Debt Service: $1.3 million (2.2 percent)

Budgeted revenues for 2011-2012: $56.6 million
Revenue sources:

• Local: 88.9%
• State: 7.4%
• Federal: 3.6%
• Tax Rate: $1.699

Facilities

*District 58’s Grove Children’s Preschool program is housed at Indian Trail and Henry Puffer. For more information, including an informational video, visit the Grove Children’s Preschool link at www.dg58.org/preschool.

School board
District 58 is governed by a School Board of seven members elected by the community to serve four-year terms. The board is responsible for adopting and monitoring the school district budget; developing and approving district policies; and hiring the district superintendent. The public is encouraged to attend board meetings, which are typically held at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Longfellow Center, 1435 Prairie Avenue. Meetings in June, July and August are typically held at the Administrative Center, 1860 63rd Street. Board meetings, agendas, minutes and Board Briefs of past meetings are available at www.dg58.org.

Vision Statement

We Envision   a school district that inspires children, sparks creative and innovative thinking, celebrates diversity, and builds visionaries.

We Seek   an education that excites minds, touches spirits, challenges abilities, and prepares our children for life.  

We Believe   every child should be expected to grow, stretch, evolve and embrace the challenges of the future in a global environment.