Director of Human Resources James Britton conducts research pertaining to personnel including salary research, studies of staff characteristics, professional standards, and other pertinent topics. In addition, he interprets personnel policies and regulations and recommends formulation and revision of such policies and regulations. He also administers the establishment and maintenance of appropriate personnel records for all employees, as well as interviews all final certified candidates for employment. Additionally, Dr. Britton maintains close contact with schools in planning and anticipating personnel needs of the school program. Before being named director of human resources in 2016, Dr. Britton served as principal at Hoffman Estates High School from 2010-2016. Prior to that, he had been a 12-month assistant principal at Hoffman Estates High School, served as the District's director of special education, and was program administrator at District 211 Academy-North. Before joining District 211, he served as a dean and a social worker at Community High School District 218’s (Oak Lawn, Ill.) Summit Learning Center from 2003-2005. Dr. Britton’s work experiences also include serving as a mental health professional at CHASI Rice Children’s Home and as a research and grant consultant for the Chicago Public Schools. Dr. Britton also previously taught English at Villa Grove High School (Villa Grove, Ill.). Dr. Britton earned his bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1994. He has earned two master’s degrees, one in clinical social work from the University of Chicago in 1999, and another in educational leadership and general administration from Chicago State University in 2004. In 2018, Dr. Britton completed his doctorate in Teaching and Learning through Illinois State University.

Assistant Director of Special Education Lindsay Celaya provides support and guidance in the development, implementation and evaluation of District special education programming and services. Ms. Celaya also provides guidance and support to IEP teams as they work to meet the unique educational needs of individual students with special needs, as well as coordinates the placements of students with disabilities in appropriate educational programming within and outside of District 211. Ms. Celaya began her service with District 211 during the summer of 2019, but began her career in special education in 2006 as a special education teacher at Antioch Community High School. In 2008, she joined Barrington High School first as a special education teacher and later as assistant department head of special services. In 2012, she took over the position of Section 504 coordinator, a position she held until 2017 when she was appointed director of student services, secondary level for District 220. Ms. Celaya earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Lewis University in 2006, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northeastern Illinois University in 2010. She secured an endorsement as a director of special education through graduate work at the University of Saint Francis (Joliet, Ill.).

Director of Special Education Renée Erickson oversees special education policies and procedures for the district. She provides leadership in developing, implementing and evaluating programs and services for the education of students with a disability, as well as provides district-wide supervision of special education programming. Ms. Erickson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in special education from Illinois State University in 2002. She received her master’s degree in teaching and leadership from Saint Xavier University in 2007. Ms. Erickson began her District 211 career as the assistant director of special education in 2009 and was named as the director of special education in 2014. Prior to working in District 211, Ms. Erickson served as the assistant director of special education for Consolidated School District 158 (Huntley, Ill.), and as a special education teacher in Consolidated School District 158 and Cary Community Consolidated School District 26.

Director of Summer School & Community Outreach Jacquese Gilbert oversees Summer School, Evening Programs, Continuing Education, EL, Title 1 and Title III grants. Ms. Gilbert provides community outreach services that help improve the quality of life to individuals and groups in the community at large, as well as access to community resources. Ms. Gilbert began her career in the Chicago Public School system in 1991 before coming to District 211 in 1994.  She started at Fremd High School as a physical education teacher and a girls’ basketball coach. In 2001, she joined the administrative team as a 10-month assistant principal at Fremd High School where she remained until her promotion to 12-month assistant principal at Hoffman Estates High School in 2004. Ms. Gilbert remained at Hoffman Estates High school until 2009, afterward transferring to the 12-month assistant principal for discipline at Palatine High School from 2009-2018, until her promotion to the Administration Center in 2019. Ms. Gilbert earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s degree in education from Chicago State University. Ms. Gilbert earned her Administrative Certificate from Loyola University.

Facilities & Energy Manager David Grelyak has served in this capacity since July 1, 2018. Mr. Grelyak’s responsibilities focus on District 211’s use of electricity, natural gas, and water, with the main goal to conserve on the use of utilities without compromising the educational environment for students and staff.  All phases of building operations are under continuous evaluation, with the purpose of taking advantage of cost-saving opportunities. Mr. Grelyak works closely with building administration, staff, and maintenance departments to maximize efficiency, as continuous monitoring of facilities contributes to the overall energy savings in District 211. Prior to his current position, Mr. Grelyak was the building and grounds manager at Palatine High School since 2003. While in that role, he coordinated multiple major construction projects, worked with mechanical and automation systems, and provided oversite and supervision of the custodial maintenance staff. Mr. Grelyak has worked in District 211 since 1993, when he began his employment involved in the management and improvement of District facilities. He worked in general maintenance and warehouse operations at the Administration Center for 10 years, including spending five years working on electrical installation throughout the District. Mr. Grelyak earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1993.

As Director of Student Services, Dr. Danielle Hauser oversees employees and services directly relating to social and emotional health, as well as key components of instruction. She plays a critical role in the implementation of mandated testing; coordinates registration; ensures compliance with state-mandated health requirements; and works with and supports Student Service Directors in all schools. Her work has, among other things, launched a partnership that provides essential and free health services for students and led to the redesign of student report cards with an emphasis on student attendance and completion. She leads the District-level Wellness Team with a focus on physical, social and emotional wellness with an emphasis on students' sense of belonging. Dr. Hauser came to the Administration Center in 2009 as the director of instructional improvement, and took over her current role in 2021. She previously served as a 12-month assistant principal, 10-month assistant principal and dean of students at James Be. Conant High School. Prior to her administrative experience, Dr. Hauser was a mathematics teacher at Conant High School beginning in the fall of 1999. Dr. Hauser earned her doctorate in education in teaching and learning from Illinois State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Ball State University (Muncie, Ind.), a master’s degree in teacher leadership from Roosevelt University, and a second master’s degree in leadership and organizational change from Roosevelt University. 

Assistant Director of Special Education Dr. Mary Pat Krones provides support and guidance in the development, implementation and evaluation of District special education programming and services. Dr. Krones also provides guidance and support to IEP teams as they work to meet the unique educational needs of individual students with special needs, as well as coordinates the placements of students with disabilities in appropriate educational programming within and outside of District 211. Dr. Krones was named assistant director of special education in August 2009. Prior to coming to High School District 211, she served a program supervisor for the North Suburban Special Education District (NSSED) in Highland Park, Ill., and as a school psychologist for Waukegan School District 60. Dr. Krones earned her doctorate of education in teaching and learning from Illinois State University in 2016. She earned a master’s degree in psychology, a specialist in school psychology degree, from Eastern Illinois University, and a second master’s degree in Educational Administration from Northeastern Illinois University. Dr. Krones received her bachelor’s degree in special education from Eastern Illinois University.

Director of Transportation Diana Mikelski oversees one of Illinois’ largest school-owned bus fleets, with approximately 160 District 211 buses and vans transporting nearly 9,000 students more than 7,700 miles each school day. Mrs. Mikelski was promoted to her director position in 2017, after serving as assistant to the director of transportation since 2015. Mrs. Mikelski has 26 years of experience in student transportation. Prior to joining District 211 in 2015, she was the supervisor of transportation for Community Unit School District 118 (Wauconda, Ill.) for 12 years. She also is certified through the State of Illinois as a driver trainer instructor since 2010.

Director of Insurance and Group Benefits, Helen Miller began her current role July of 2024, where she administers the District’s insurance programs, including health, dental, life, annuities, worker’s compensation, liability, fire and property, and promotes risk management and tort liability prevention. Mrs. Miller serves as the District’s authorized agent for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and the Teacher’s Retirement System (TRS), and also serves as the District’s pre-retirement counselor. Mrs. Miller came to the Administration Center after having served as an elementary and middle school teacher for 10 years. Prior to her teaching career, she spent 15 years in the private sector in banking, investments, and finance. Mrs. Miller earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s in Education from National Louis University, as well as a second master’s in School Business Management from Northern Illinois University.

Accounting Manager Sandra Mir Imes supervises the daily activities of the accounting department, including payroll, accounts payable, district cashier, and student activities. She also manages the District's daily cash flow through the receipt and investment of real estate taxes and governmental aid receipts, banking wires, and ACH transactions. In addition, Mrs. Mir Imes reconciles monthly cash receipts, disbursements, and the general ledger as well as overseeing preparation of TRS reports, payroll taxes, W-2 and 1099 forms, and all year-end audit reports. Mrs. Mir Imes earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Loyola University Chicago in 1985, and became a certified public accountant. Prior to coming to High School District 211 in 2013, Mrs. Mir Imes served as a staff accountant at a local CPA firm, managing tax preparations and financial records for small businesses. She also worked for three other Chicago firms from 1985-1995, conducting audits, preparing financial reports, and managing other financial matters.

As Director of College and Career Readiness, Michele Napier coordinates programs and resources aligned with academic, social/emotional and postsecondary planning for District 211 students. Her work includes overseeing the First Generation College Symposium, College Night, Girls STEAM Ahead, College and Career Pathways, College and Career Readiness Indicators and the Dual Credit Program. All are aimed at providing students opportunities to explore colleges and careers before graduation. She is the District’s liaison to the Northwest Education Council for Student Success, and works with counselors, department chairs and teachers to align District programs to student needs and industry and collegiate trends, bringing relevant instruction and real-world experiences to students. She also secures and manages grant funding that opens doors for college and career exploration. Michele was appointed in 2021 after serving as Assistant Principal and Activities Director for Schaumburg High School. Her work there included leading students in a multi-tiered system of support to provide academic and behavioral strategies for student success and building stronger community connections and alumni relationships. She previously worked as Schaumburg’s Department Chair of Student Services and was college and career counselor, helping prepare students for successful futures in college, careers and life. Michele holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from DePaul University and master’s degrees in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from Loyola University and both School Counseling and Educational Leadership from Roosevelt University.

Controller and Treasurer Barbara Peterson joined the District 211 accounting team in February 2009. She is responsible for all accounting, financial reporting, projections and budgeting for the District. She also oversees the accounting, accounts payable, and payroll departments. As treasurer, she is responsible for overseeing the District’s Investment Policy, banking relationships, and internal controls over revenue and disbursement streams. Prior to serving in District 211, Mrs. Peterson spent four years in public accounting and has eight years of private industry experience. She earned her bachelor’s of science degree in accountancy from the University of Illinois and became a Certified Public Accountant in May 1987.

LaShaunda Sandifer is responsible for developing, implementing, leading and championing purposeful and proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and programs in alignment with the District 211 Equity Plan and Strategic Plan. Her work is focused on developing strategies and programs that help achieve positive cultural transformation across the District, impacting students, staff, families and the entire learning community. She specifically oversees the District-wide Equity Team and also plays a key role with the school-level teams comprising students and staff. LaShaunda is an energetic educator with experience in student growth, instructional methodology, diversity and inclusion. She is particularly skilled in student advising and development, strategic planning and success strategies. She joined District 211 in 2022. She previously spent eight years as a Special Education Teacher and also served as a substitute Dean of Students, Instructional Coach and Athletic Coach, serving on or leading committees focused on restorative justice, advanced academics, school improvement and professional development. LaShaunda holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Wright State University, a master’s degree in teaching from National-Louis University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Wright State University, a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University and is completing a Director of Special Education Certificate from National-Louis. She also holds General Administrative, Political Science and Learning Behavior Specialist I endorsements.

Human Resources Assistant Anita Seaholm coordinates major personnel reports, surveys and information; assists in the preparation and administration of salary development and information, and coordinates unemployment claims and hearings. She also assists staff with leaves of absence, and recommends policies and procedures in compliance with federal laws and regulations. Additionally, Mrs. Seaholm assists staff and administration with various personnel practices including hiring, terminations, disciplinary actions and payroll-related issues. Mrs. Seaholm earned her bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Roosevelt University. She was employed in corporate HR for over eight years prior to beginning her District 211 career as personnel assistant in 2004.

Director of Facilities and Purchasing Rickey Sparks oversees capital improvements and the custodial maintenance staff. His responsibilities also include overseeing day-to-day operations at all of the District’s facilities.

Mr. Sparks's District 211 career began during the summer of 2022. Mr. Sparks previously worked as Assistant Vice-President of Facilities Management at McHenry County College, a position he  held since November 2020. He began his career in purchasing and logistics at Motorola GTSS-HA. From 2008 to 2017, he served as Director of Purchasing and Business Services for School District U-46 in Elgin, leaving that role to become Executive Director of Building Management Operations – a position he held until his current role.

Mr. Sparks holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering Technology with a minor in Business Administration from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in Managerial Communication from Northwestern University, and an MBA from Webster University. He is working toward his Chief School Business Official endorsement.

Director of Food & Nutrition Services Katie Weir aids in the establishment of safe and healthful procedures for the District’s food and nutrition services department. She is responsible for upholding nutrition standards for meals provided to students. She is also responsible for adherence to National School Meal Program regulations, as well as assisting with training, purchasing, record keeping, and selection and evaluation of food service personnel. Ms. Weir began her District 211 career in July 2022.

Ms. Weir previously served as Assistant Director of Food Services at Oak Park River Forest High School, a position she held for three years. She has also served as a dietitian at Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment and as a dietary supervisor at St. Alexius Medical Center. She also serves as a contract oncology dietitian at Wellness House. She holds a bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition with a minor in business management and administration from Bradley University and completed her Dietetic Internship from Dominican University.

Director of Athletics & Activities Eric Wenckowski coordinates the work of the athletic activity directors and monitors budgets for athletics, activities, physical education, driver education, and health. He also serves as the District’s Title IX coordinator and assures compliance. Mr. Wenckowski began his District 211 career in 2002 as a business education teacher at Fremd High School. He served as the school’s dean of students in 2005-2006, before being promoted to 10-month assistant principal in 2006. He was named 12-month assistant principal in 2009, serving two years in that capacity, and was named the District’s director of human resources in 2011. In 2016, Mr. Wenckowski was named director of athletics & activities. Mr. Wenckowski began his teaching career at East and West Lyden High Schools in 1995, and also taught at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Mr. Wenckowski received his bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Northern Illinois University. He earned his master’s degree in education from Roosevelt University, and also completed his type 75 administrative certificate from Roosevelt University. Mr. Wenckowski is recognized as a certified athletic administrator by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.