Episode 43 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Smith explores high school educational pathways with Dr. Whitney Martino and Mr. Dave Sally from West Aurora High School, along with Mr. David Aguilar of Black Hawk Academy. They discuss tailored programs meeting diverse student needs, emphasizing strategies for success in both traditional a…

In Episode 42 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Michael Smith explores the journeys of Jeff Hetrick and Kelly Papp, principals of Goodwin and Greenman Elementary Schools, respectively. They discuss their pathways to leadership, the impact of mentorship on their careers, and the unique aspects of their schools. Both building leaders share their be…

In Episode 41 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Michael Smith continues hosting building leaders within the school district. This episode features Tim McKenna and Marchel Rogers, first-year principals at Jewel Middle School and Washington Middle School respectively. They share their transitions into their roles, reflecting on how previous experie…

In Episode 40 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith introduces the new season's theme of highlighting building leadership within School District 129 and the school communities they serve. Joined by principals Beth Smith of Nancy Hill Elementary and Dr. Pete Clabough of Smith Elementary, the episode illuminates their colla…

In Episode 39 of the SD129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig steps out of his usual role as host to sit in the guest chair and is interviewed by guest host Neal Ormond. Dr. Craig reflects on his transformative tenure at SD129 and explores the diverse experiences that shaped his leadership and educational strategies. Mr. Ormond asks Dr. Craig to revisit pivot…

In Episode 38 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig talks with North Aurora Mayor, Mark Gaffino, a lifelong North Aurora resident and local business owner. Mayor Gaffino reflects on his roots in the community, his educational journey, and his deep-seated connection to West Aurora schools. He shares insights into his role as mayor, emphasiz…

In Episode 37 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig speaks with Dr. Brian Knetl, President of Waubonsee Community College, and Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, President of Aurora University. They delve into their recent role transitions and future visions, discussing the evolving educational landscape and its implications for post-secondary educa…

In Episode 36 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig and Linnea Windel, President and CEO of VNA Health Care, discuss the imminent opening of the VNA Health Care School-linked Health Center at the Jeff Craig Family Resource Center, located at the former Todd School. They highlight its mission to offer timely, accessible healthcare, aiming t…

In Episode 35 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig is joined by three exceptional senior students, Ella Brown, Maya Moneze, and Eleanor Rogowski, who serve as student board of education members. These students share their experiences and insights on balancing their academic, extracurricular commitments, and their roles as student board me…

In Episode 34 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig hosts Valerie Brown Dykstra, an integral member of the Board of Education and an administrative law judge. With a unique perspective as a district graduate and parent, Brown Dykstra shares her educational journey, reflecting on her school days and the evolution of the district. Her discus…

In this episode of the West Aurora 129 podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig interviews Mike Lehman, a veteran educator with over three decades of experience in the district. Lehman, who started as a student teacher in SD129 in 1990, has a remarkable journey from teaching fifth grade and kindergarten to becoming the President of the Aurora Education Association-…

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Craig, Superintendent of West Aurora Schools, interviews Kelly Person, principal of Hope D. Wall School. With nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood and special education, Ms. Person shares her journey to becoming an educator and emphasizes the impact of early influences and pivotal moments, such as working with …

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Craig, Superintendent of West Aurora Schools, welcomes Ms. Laura Edwards, the new Curriculum Coordinator for West Aurora's Career and Technical Education Department. Ms. Edwards shares her educational journey and insights on the evolving significance of CTE in schools, including recent program updates in SD129. Join us as …

Jewel Middle School Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, Mr. Pete Martino sits down for a conversation with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

In this episode, Dr. Craig is joined by veteran teacher Kevin Briars and first-year teacher Will Marks. The two are paired together as mentor/mentee as a part of the SD129 induction program for new teachers. Together, they discuss the challenges and rewards of being a mentor and mentee in the teaching profession. Kevin shares his years of experienc…

As a valued stakeholder of School District 129, we want to share with you our annual State of the District Message. In an effort to reach a larger audience, the message has taken the form of a podcast, featuring district leaders who reflect upon the accomplishments of the past year and share key initiatives for the coming year. We have also created…

West Aurora School District Executive Director of Student and Family Services, Marti Neahring sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

SD129 District Athletic Director, Jason Buckley, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

Get to know the next SD129 Superintendent of Schools and current Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Dr. Michael P. Smith. He joins Superintendent Dr. Jeff Craig for a conversation that spans growing up in Aurora, what inspired him to become an educator, and his 23-year career in School District 129.…

Principal of Washington Middle School, Tom Davidson, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

StudioGC co-founder and Architect Pat Callahan, and West Aurora School District Captial Projects Manager, Pat Dacy, sit down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

West Aurora School District Director of Transportation, Lynn Head, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

West Aurora High School Principal Dr. Chuck Hiscock sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

West Aurora School District Professional Development Coordinator, Laura Beatus, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

Neal Ormond, a lifelong Aurora resident, former school board president, current volunteer coach, and the "Voice of the Blackhawks" sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

West Aurora High School Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Whitney Martino sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

Washington Middle School Dean of Students, Marchel Rogers, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

West Aurora High School CTE Pathway Program Coordinator Brian Veit and CTE Instructor Mark Williams talk with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

West Aurora High School Head Football Coach and Learning Specialist Nate Eimer talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

Par West Aurora District 129

Par West Aurora District 129

West Aurora High School Dean, Pete Baker, talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

Early Learning Academy Principal, Dr. Laurie Klomhaus and 3 of the Early Childhood Academy students talk with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

The Principal of Hope D. Wall School, Dr. Terry Collette, talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.Par West Aurora District 129

Episode 9- Victor Perez by West Aurora District 129Par West Aurora District 129

Episode 8- Chief of Police Kristen Ziman by West Aurora District 129Par West Aurora District 129

Episode 7-Kevin Triplett by West Aurora District 129Par West Aurora District 129

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig, is joined by members of the West Aurora 129 community, including students, staff, parents and other stakeholders to discuss personal stories and issues relevant to our school district environment.Par West Aurora District 129

Dr. Craig sits down with distinguished West Aurora alumni Gilberto Chaidez Jr. as he shares his take on work, life and how D129 helped shape his future.Par West Aurora District 129

AFJROTC Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, Lt Col Erik Pettyjohn, USAF (ret), talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig, about starting and growing the Air Force JROTC program at West Aurora High School.Par West Aurora District 129

School Board President, Bob Gonzalez, talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig, about his journey from Cuba to America and how it shaped him into who he is today.Par West Aurora District 129

Assistant Principal for Operations, Ron Murphy, talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig, about his career path to his current position.Par West Aurora District 129