Superintendent's Message

As we move through the heart of winter and into the early months of the new year, our schools and community have once again demonstrated resilience, pride, and a shared commitment to our students. While the fall season brought excitement through academics, athletics, music, and student activities, this winter has reminded us that the work of educating and caring for young people continues regardless of weather, challenges, or changing circumstances.

This school year has included an unusually high number of cold and snow days, requiring thoughtful decision-making centered on student and staff safety while also honoring the importance of instructional time. I am grateful for the flexibility, understanding, and partnership shown by our families as we navigate these decisions together. These moments reinforce the trust that exists between our schools and our community.  That trust is essential as we work to balance safety, learning, and continuity.

Even amid the conditions, our students have continued to shine. This past fall, our extremely talented Boys Soccer team made history by advancing to the state championship game for the first time in school history. While the final outcome did not result in a state title, the achievement itself was extraordinary and a source of great pride for Aurora. Under the leadership of Coach Louis Kastelic, in his first year as head coach, our student-athletes demonstrated perseverance, teamwork, and belief at the highest level of competition. This historic run will be remembered as a milestone moment for our school and community.

We are also proud to celebrate outstanding academic and artistic accomplishments that reflect the strength of our learning culture across the district. Aurora High School was recently recognized by the College Board as an AP School Honor Roll Platinum recipient, an improvement from our previous Gold designation. This recognition celebrates more than just test scores, as it highlights inclusive practices, access to rigorous coursework, and a belief in all students striving to reach their potential. As the College Board notes, students who engage in Advanced Placement coursework are more likely to attend college, graduate on time, and build confidence for future success. This achievement reflects not only the dedication of AHS students and staff, but the intentional scaffolding built across our entire district to support learners at every level.

In the arts, Aurora High School students were recognized through the prestigious Scholastic Art Awards. Congratulations to our student artists and to instructors Sean Berrodin and Eric Head for earning this well-deserved recognition.  I would be remiss not to mention by name AHS Students Shuti Potdar, Evan Bienkowski, and Ellen Burdett who received Gold Medal level recognition!  These accolades are a reflection of a vertically aligned art program that begins in our elementary schools and continues through middle school and high school, reinforcing our commitment to The Green Standard and the development of the whole child. Artistic expression, creativity, and personal voice are essential components of a well-rounded education, and we are proud to see our students’ work advancing to national adjudication in New York City later this spring.

Beyond awards and recognitions, what continues to define Aurora is the strong connection between the schools and our community. Throughout the year, our students and staff engage in service, collaboration, and authentic learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom, such as the annual Rake and Run or Veterans Day events or collections for those less fortunate. These moments, whether rooted in athletics, academics, the arts, or service, are living proof of a culture grounded in compassion, responsibility, and shared purpose. They are reminders that education is not just about achievement, but about developing thoughtful, empathetic, and engaged citizens.

As we look forward, an important focus for the district remains our facilities planning work. We recently launched a new website dedicated to “The Essential Plan,” (https://sites.google.com/view/acsd-facility-master-planning/home) providing our community with clear, accessible information about the potential future of our school buildings. In addition, a series of short informational videos is being released to explain various aspects of the plan and answer common questions. These tools reflect our commitment to transparency and meaningful engagement.

The Essential Plan represents a more focused and cost-effective approach to addressing our most urgent facility needs. While portions of the plan include elementary building improvements, it is important to emphasize that a key component is a districtwide “Triage List” of essential upgrades. These improvements (including HVAC systems, roof repairs, parking lot paving, and work along Greenmen Way) will benefit all schools across the district, including the middle school and high school. This work is about maintaining safe, functional, and healthy learning environments for every student, now and into the future.

We continue to collaborate closely with our staff and the City of Aurora as designs are refined, and we look forward to hosting community feedback meetings in April once plans are further developed. Your input remains vital as we move thoughtfully and responsibly toward the future.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Aurora City Schools. Together, we remain committed to nurturing the roots of our learners, upholding The Green Standard, and preparing our students to be truly Future-Ready. Go Greenmen!