Lake County Gazette

Two eighth-grade students have been chosen to serve as student board representatives for the District 45 Board of Education for the 2025-26 school year. November Doria from Jefferson Middle School and Lily Castaldi from Jackson Middle School will provide input at selected board meetings, offering regular reports that reflect the experiences of middle school students in District 45.

The role of student board representative was introduced in 2024 to increase student involvement in the district’s planning and decision-making. Representatives attend Board of Education meetings, share insights about student life, and discuss their motivations, challenges, and achievements. While they do not vote, their perspectives are intended to inform board discussions.

November Doria attended Schafer Elementary before moving on to Jefferson Middle School. She describes herself as “very empathetic” and willing to consider different viewpoints when addressing problems. At Jefferson, she has participated in orchestra, STEM Day, and the school musical. Outside of school, she volunteers as a dog sitter, contributed to a clothing drive for Omega Psi Phi, and plays community volleyball.

Jefferson ELA teacher Carolyn Pakeltis commented on Doria’s approach: “November is a well-spoken and knowledgeable individual. She is more than willing to volunteer her insights in any class discussion,” said Pakeltis. “Her points are expressed clearly with examples and details given to help support her ideas to her classmates. She listens intently to others’ ideas and offers supportive feedback.”

Lily Castaldi began her education at Westmore Elementary and now attends Jackson Middle School. She describes herself as “kind and respectful” with an emphasis on listening to others’ thoughts and opinions. At Jackson, Castaldi is involved in theater, choir, peer buddies, and serves as a student ambassador.

Jackson science teacher Krista DePasquale said: “It is clear from her activities that she has pride in her school and loves being part of our Jackson Community.”

Eighth graders interested in becoming student board representatives may apply during the spring of their seventh-grade year by submitting an application available at middle school main offices each April. All complete applications result in interviews; two students are then selected for the position.

District 45 covers several schools across DuPage County including Ardmore Elementary School, Jackson Middle School, Jefferson Middle School, North Elementary School, Schafer Elementary School, Stevenson School, Westmore Elementary School, and York Center Elementary School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to state data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Villa Park School District 45 employs 224 teachers with an average salary of $74,159; most teachers are women (82.8 percent) while men make up 17.2 percent (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district’s demographic breakdown is 43.4 percent White students, 7.8 percent Black students, 35.4 percent Hispanic students, and 8.2 percent Asian students (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In fiscal year 2020, spending per student was $23,216 with total expenditures reaching $76.7 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

Doria noted that one of her biggest role models is Kamala Harris because she aspires to study law and use strong decision-making skills for fairness.

Castaldi shared that she looks up to her parents due to their support through challenges: “My mom and dad…support me through everything I decide to endure…they help along the way when I get discouraged or lose hope about anything.”

Both students highlighted their participation in extracurricular activities such as theater for Castaldi and orchestra for Doria.

Applications for next year’s representatives will be available next April.