District Communication

District 75 Superintendent’s Message
March 2026

As the days grow longer and we move past our coldest months, I am struck by the incredible warmth and energy inside our District 75 schools. While the winter weather often keeps us indoors, it certainly hasn’t slowed us down.

From the transformative construction at our middle school to the expansion of our arts and literacy programs, the momentum in D75 is unmistakable. I am proud to share these highlights that demonstrate our commitment to providing a premier educational experience for every student in Mundelein.

A New Stage for Success: Carl Sandburg Middle School

If you’ve been through the drop-off line at Carl Sandburg lately, you’ve likely seen the transformation taking place. Our Theater Project is nearly complete! In my recent walk-throughs, the space looks absolutely fabulous—it is a facility our students and community truly deserve. Stay tuned for an announcement regarding a celebratory Open House in the coming weeks. I can't wait to show off this beautiful new space to all of you.

Elevating the Arts

We believe that a well-rounded education must include a robust fine arts program. We are thrilled to be enhancing our vocal music offerings across the district. Our goal is simple but impactful: to ensure our vocal music opportunities soon match the high caliber and variety of our instrumental music programs. Whether a student picks up an instrument or finds their voice, District 75 will be there to support their talent.

Literacy at the Forefront

Literacy remains our primary goal in D75. This winter, we’ve been fortunate to host guest authors who shared their work and their creative processes with our students. Seeing our students engage with professional writers reinforces our mission to foster a lifelong love of reading and storytelling.

Shared Leadership, Shared Vision

One of the strengths of our "Shared Services" model is the ability to bring world-class leadership to both D75 and D120.

  • Dr. Arthur Vallicelli will serve as our new Assistant Superintendent. Art brings a wealth of experience in building high-performing school cultures, and his leadership will be an asset to our middle school staff.
  • State-Wide Excellence: I am also incredibly proud to highlight Jamie DiCarlo, our Assistant Superintendent of Special Services. Jamie recently received state-wide recognition for her contributions to Special Education. Her expertise ensures that our most vulnerable learners in D75 receive the highest quality support and advocacy.

A Community on the Rise

The hard work of the last three months has set the stage for a spectacular spring. As I visit our buildings, I see teachers mentoring with heart and students pushing themselves to reach new heights. Thank you for your partnership and for the trust you place in me to lead these remarkable districts.

Dr. Corey Tafoya,
Superintendent, District 75