LM Apr 2025

Education Elevat g

Dr. Lea Damisch, Superintendent Marengo Union Elementary CSD #165, Kishwaukee

Ryan Linnig, Superintendent Dimmick CCSD #175, Starved Rock

Who: Dr. Lea Damisch, Superintendent What: Implemented a new literacy initiative based off the Hillsdale College Model that emphasizes a phonics-based approach; Fostered a strong culture where staff enjoys coming to work; Maintained fiscal responsibility while updating facilities. Where: Marengo Union Elementary CSD #165, Kishwaukee When: Superintendent of Marengo

Who: Ryan Linnig, Superintendent What: Created a comprehensive career exploration program that includes 16 pathways, job shadowing and a designated STEAM lab; Oversaw the creation of Dimmick Fit, a unique program focused on physical fitness, nutrition and SEL; Advocate for local control and reducing unfunded mandates. Where: Dimmick CCSD #175, Starved Rock

When: Superintendent of Dimmick CCSD #175 for 17 years Why: As Ryan Linnig wraps up his 17th year as superintendent of Dimmick CCSD #175 and prepares for his new role as superintendent of Peru ESD #124, two large-scale innovative programs stand out from his tenure. In 2011, Linnig initiated a process of adopting a STEM program as a way to teach problem solving skills and collaboration to junior high students. With the support of the Board of Education, the district invested resources to create an instructional STEM lab and develop modules for career exploration. Over the last 15 years, the initiative has blossomed (now a STEAM lab) into a comprehensive, guided, program focused on 16 Career Pathways designed to help students explore career interests, learn about financial literacy and develop skills to succeed in life. Key components of the program include student interest/ strength surveys, guest speakers and the requirement for eighth grade students to job shadow in a career interest area in partnership with the Area Chamber of Commerce and other

Union Elementary CSD #165 for 16 years. Why: Marengo Union Elementary CSD #165 has integrated technology into its schools. But when it comes to literacy, Dr. Lea Damisch believes technology and the bells and whistles offered by large textbook companies is not the answer. “In some ways, 1:1 devices have ruined the way kids learn,” Dr. Damisch said. “Everything is just pushed at them and kids are struggling to think, read and write. At Marengo Elementary, we’re pulling away from that. What we’re doing now when it comes to teaching literacy is not low tech, it’s no tech.” Inspired in part by the “Sold a Story” investigative podcast series, this school year, the district of 1,085 students in western McHenry County has implemented the Hillsdale College model for teaching literacy, primarily through its Literacy Essentials program, which emphasizes an explicit, systematic, phonics based approach to spelling and reading that aligns with the principles of Science of Reading. Literacy Essentials teaches children how the spoken English language is written with 42 sounds represented by 26 letters

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12 LM April 2025