Schools
Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 Welcomes New Board
Following the local April election, two newcomers and two re-elected board members now serve on District 47's board of education.
Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 is pleased to announce the assembly of its new Board of Education. At a regular board meeting on May 1, 2017, two newly elected board members and two re-elected board members took the oath of office.
Newly elected board members John Pellikan and Jonathan Powell replace outgoing board members Jeff Mason and Donna Ricci. Mason served on the District 47 board for a total of 14 years and as board president for six years. Ricci served a four-year term. In addition, current board members Dr. Betsy Les and Eileen Palsgrove, who have served on the board since 2013, were re-elected to another term.
After being seated, the D47 Board of Education approved the appointment of Rob Fetzner as Board President, Dr. Betsy Les as Vice President and Clare Bourne as Board Secretary.
Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Caryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
About New D47 Board Members
Jonathan Powell has been a math teacher at Prairie Ridge High School for the past 14 years. He also serves as head coach of the Prairie Ridge varsity boys golf team. Powell’s wife is a teacher in District 47 and they reside in Crystal Lake with their three children.
Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Caryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“It is an honor to have been elected to the board and I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders through a growth mindset,” said Powell. “I am an advocate of transparency and clear communication and I look forward to making a positive impact on our already great school district.”
John Pellikan has been in the field of education for the past 20 years and is a social science teacher and administrator/division leader at Prairie Ridge High School.
As an educator, Pellikan is a firm believer in schools providing deep and authentic learning. “I believe that schools have a dual mission to educate the individual whole child to help students achieve their full potential and to produce citizens who earnestly fulfill their civic duties,” noted Pellikan.
Pellikan’s wife is a teacher in District 47 and their children attended District 47 schools. He is a national board certified teacher, is currently serving as the McHenry County mentor for IllinoisCivics.org, and has presented multiple times at the National Conference of Social Studies.
Photo: Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 Board of Education. Front row, left to right: John Pellikan and Jonathan Powell. Back row, left to right: Robert Fetzner (President), Eileen Palsgrove, Ryan Farrell, Dr. Betsy Les (Vice President), and Curt Wadlington.
