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Meet Our Board
Board of Trustees
CHAIR
Indra Josephs
First Vice President, Aligned Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley
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Professional Experience: Indra has been in the financial industry working with families for over 17 years. She provides clients with holistic wealth management solutions that encompass virtually every aspect of their financial lives. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Indra focuses on helping clients achieve their vision of financial success and leave a meaningful legacy. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Indra served as a Vice President at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, helping high net-worth investors grow and preserve their wealth. Indra graduated summa cum laude from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana where she earned a B.S. in finance and organization administration.
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Community Service: Indra has been involved in Spencer Loomis Elementary School serving on the PTO as co-treasurer. She is passionate about empowering youth and women in her community by educating them on financial education.
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Personal: Indra and her husband, Scot have 2 children who attend schools in the district. Throughout her years she has been active within her Lithuanian community and has participated in holiday folk dancing for more than 15 years.
VICE CHAIR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Joe Janicki
Brightway Insurance
Professional Experience: Joseph has over 20 years of sales and management experience and is the Agency Owner of Brightway Insurance, The Janicki Agency in Lake Zurich. Brightway is a local, independent insurance agency offering clients more convenience and a better way to buy insurance with access to more insurance companies than any other agency. Their focus on the community and dedication to providing an exceptional client experience has already won them several awards, including being named the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year for 2022.
Prior to opening Brightway Insurance, Joe worked as a management consultant for numerous clients across the country. His focal points included cost reduction, process improvement, and operational efficiency.
With a strong foundation in leadership, coupled with his dedication to client satisfaction, Joe has quickly established himself as an industry expert who consistently delivers exceptional results.
Community Service: Joe is not only a business leader but also a community leader who is passionate about serving the community he calls home. As an active member of several local organizations, Joe demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact on those around him.
In addition to his role as Trustee for the Foundation, he also sits on the board of the Lake Zurich Lions Club and is the President of the Rotary Club of Lake Zurich for 2023-2024. Additionally, Joe holds a board member position for the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce. Through these roles, he continues to make meaningful contributions to his community and support local initiatives.
Personal: Originally from Palatine, Joe now resides in Lake Zurich, where he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. Married to his wife Erica, he has three children: son Caden, who attends elementary school in Lake Zurich; daughter Mikala, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at Rush University Medical Center; and daughter Juliana, who works as a nurse in Kansas City.
Joe is also a proud grandfather to two adorable granddaughters, Hazel and Grace, who also live in Kansas City.
TREASURER
Christine Walsh
Resident of Lake Zurich
Professional Experience: Christine is a plant controller with Amcor in Mundelein who has been in finance/accounting for over 10 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2009 from Elmhurst University. In 2019, Christine went back to her Alma Mater to obtain her MBA.
Community Services: Christine is an active member of the community. She holds several positions within Girl Scouts of Lake Zurich along with co-leading two troops. Christine is also a member of the Lake Zurich Baseball Softball Association where she’s a treasurer.
Personal: Christine and her husband Pat have three children in District 95 as of Fall 2024. Any free time is dedicated to the children’s passion of softball/baseball and Girl Scouts. When she gets a free moment, she enjoys going to concerts and spending time with friends.
VICE CHAIR – GRANTS
Andy Spetter
The Tutoring Center, Long Grove
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Professional Experience: Andy is the Center Director/Owner of The Tutoring Center in Long Grove. In 2013, Andy made a significant career shift from his electrical engineering consulting position to his current role in helping children reach their academic potential. The Tutoring Center assists students across the area, including District 95, in reading, writing, math, and SAT/ACT preparation. Andy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University.
Community Services: In addition to the District 95 Foundation, Andy has been an active member of the May Whitney Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee. Additionally, Andy served on the Board of Directors for The Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove.
Personal: Andy and his wife Julie moved to District 95 in 2003. They have had one child graduate from LZHS and another is in the Class of ’26. Any free time is dedicated to the family passion of traveling (either enjoying a trip or planning the next one). Although his children will tell you his passion is Chicago Cubs baseball, Indianapolis Colts Football, and Purdue athletics.
TRUSTEE
Jennifer McGrath
Hollister Incorporated
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Professional Experience: Jennifer has 20-years-experience helping companies develop multi-faceted internal/external strategic communications plans to raise awareness of key social issues and launch new products. Her experience includes developing in-depth measurement frameworks, nonprofit partnership development, corporate social responsibility programs and event planning. She currently spearheads strategic global reputation work at Hollister Incorporated in Libertyville. Jennifer also spent close to 11 years with The Allstate Foundation, worked with various PR agencies and started her career in sports public relations working with the United States Olympic Committee and The Ivy League.
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Community Service: Jennifer volunteer with Lake Zurich Flames, The Cricket Theatre Company and Meals on Wheels.
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Personal: Jennifer and her husband, Ryan, reside in Lake Zurich and have two daughters at May Whitney Elementary and Middle School North. Most free time is spent chauffeuring the girls to cheer, tumbling and theater rehearsals. Jennifer believes strongly in the power of relationship building and leading with kindness.
DISTRICT 95 SUPERINTENDENT & TRUSTEE
Kelley Gallt
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Professional Experience: Kelley Gallt joined CUSD 95 as Superintendent in June of 2019, after serving for six years at the district level providing leadership in the area of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. She most recently served the St. Charles learning community as its Chief Academic Officer, and prior to that was an Assistant Superintendent of Learning for Hinsdale 181. Kelley has also served the Yorkville School District as a Director of Learning and Teaching and the Plainfield School District as a building principal. Prior to this she taught at the elementary level.
Kelley received her Doctorate in Educational Administration from Aurora University and holds a Master’s degree in educational administration from Governor’s State University. She received her Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University.
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Community Service: Kelley has been a Rotarian for the last two years and is a member of the YMCA Board.
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Personal: Kelley is married to Eric and has four children, Brittney, Colton, Parker, and Wyatt. She currently resides in Deer Park. She spends her free time reading professionally, running, and traveling to visit her children.
TRUSTEE
Brittany Tjardes, CPA
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Professional Experience:
Brittany is a Chief School Business Official and Certified Public Accountant with over 10 years of experience in school business management. She excels in leadership and collaboration, helping school districts and related entities achieve their goals by overseeing business functions and improving operations. Brittany holds a B.S. in Accountancy and a Master of Accounting Science from Northern Illinois University and is currently pursuing her EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
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Community Service:
In addition to her role on the Foundation, Brittany participates in the Spencer Loomis Elementary School PTO and serves on various Illinois school business associations and cooperatives, reflecting her commitment to enhancing educational environments through collaboration and community support.
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Personal:
Brittany, born and raised in Lake County, resides in Hawthorn Woods with her husband Adam, and their two boys, who attend Spencer Loomis Elementary School. She enjoys traveling with her family, cooking, and playing golf in her free time.
TRUSTEE
Kelly Cranstoun
Savvas Learning National Manager
Professional Experience: Kelly has been a teacher, an educational consultant, and currently manages the national team of specialists for Savvas K12 Learning. In all of these roles, Kelly has had the opportunity to travel the country and meet with different school district stakeholders to help determine and implement curriculum changes to meet their needs. It also has exposed her to other events and traditions of schools from across the country.
Community Services: Kelly has been an active member of various PTOs and parent groups in the district from Spencer Loomis to MSN to LZHS. She has held several positions and feels it has made her a better LZ 95 parent to actively participate in the district community. Kelly has 2 alumni daughters of LZ 95 and a son currently starting at LZHS. Her family has been active in the community as well, through LZ Flames football and cheer programs.
TRUSTEE
Vas Russis
Buckley Fine Law, LLC​
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Professional Experience: Vas received his B.S. in Accountancy from the University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign. He has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1990. After graduation, he worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. in Chicago. Vas received his Juris Doctorate from the Chicago – Kent College of Law in 1995. He is currently a partner with Buckley Fine Law, LLC in Barrington.
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Community Service: Vas is an active member of the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce. He also was an active member of Future 95, a group which advocated for the successful referendum to fund District 95 facility improvements. Vas has also been involved as a coach in the Lake Zurich Baseball and Softball Association. Vas is a volunteer in the Incubator Program at Lake Zurich High School.
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Personal: Vas and his wife, Michelle, reside in Hawthorn Woods with their two children, both of whom are in college. He enjoys traveling with his family and golf and is passionate about University of Illinois athletics and the Chicago Cubs.
TRUSTEE
Billy Heisler
President, Verdant Tutoring & Coaching Community
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Professional Experience: Billy is thrilled to bring forth his passion as an educator and experience as a business leader to serve the District 95 community through the Educational Foundation. The Foundation’s commitment to innovative excellence and track record of success sets it apart from so many other organizations in the area. Billy is currently the Founder and President of Verdant Tutoring & Coaching Community. Rooted in Lake Zurich, Verdant empowers students with authentic, quality learning experiences in a supportive community. Verdant’s mission is achieved through its team of exceptional educators; together, these educators have spent over 350 years in the classroom, earned nearly 50 advanced degrees, and attended prestigious universities. The team supports students and their families in Verdant’s myriad services under the umbrellas of college prep and academic tutoring. Leading Verdant to new heights each month has been a joy for Billy. Prior to starting Verdant, Billy taught Science and STEAM at Lake Zurich Middle School North (MSN) for 13 years. In his role as a classroom teacher, Billy helped to develop innovative learning experiences for students including video game creation, robotics competitions, and professional mentors. Outside of the classroom, Billy co-founded and co-chaired a District-wide STEAM event, coached MSN’s FIRST LEGO League team, and coached the boys’ basketball team. Billy was honored with recognition such as Middle School Teacher of the Year (Technology Education Association of Illinois, 2018), Teacher Excellence (International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, 2019), and Teachers Make a Difference (District 95, 2020).
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Community Service: Billy has volunteered as a youth basketball coach, Sunday School teacher, and mentor.
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Personal: Billy is a proud uncle to a toddler and dog-parent to a Border Collie named Belle. Both Billy and Belle love the outdoors–they enjoy hitting the trails together in local forest preserves. When not hiking with Belle, Billy enjoys golfing, cooking, and learning Beatles songs on the guitar.
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TRUSTEE EMERITUS
John Sfire
The Fidelity Group
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Professional Experience: John is Chairman/CEO of The Fidelity Group located in Lake Zurich since its inception 20 years ago. Presently, the Fidelity Group owns/manages approximately 850,000 square feet of retail/office space in Lake Zurich.
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Community Service: John brings extensive community service experience to the School District 95 Foundation, having served for many years on the College of Lake County Education Foundation. John is one of the founders of the Foglia YMCA, and supports the Hawthorn Woods Womens’ Club, SNAP, and the Bear Boosters Club. He is also the Executive Director of Faith Food Panty, President of Northern Illinois Food Bank, and Executive Director of The Samuel R. Sfire Foundation which, among other things, distributes over $40,000 annually in financial assistance to qualified student applicants.
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Personal: The Sfire family includes two School District 95 graduates, Jason Alan Sfire and Niki Sfire Williams.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (Non-Voting)
Liz Hartke
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Professional Experience: Liz is a graduate from the University of Iowa where she obtained her degree in Communications along with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. She has over 23 years of experience in the marketing, event planning and project management field. More specifically, she brings experience with board management, fundraising, and developing partnerships. Liz is also the owner of Elzie Style House - a project management, event planning and interior decorating firm.
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Community Service: Liz is passionate about volunteering her time in any capacity at her children’s school. She has served as a room parent, participated on the Varsity Poms board, and been involved in various sports and school committees. Additionally, she has taught Sunday school, led women's events at her church.
Personal: Liz is a proud resident of Lake Zurich and has lived here for the last 17 years. She is happily married to Jon for over 22 years, and has 19-year-old Reese (LZHS graduate and Sophomore at the University of Iowa), 17-year-old Dylan (Senior at LZHS), and 12-year-old Landon (7th grader at MSN). When Liz isn't spending time with her family or working with the Foundation, she's busy working on projects for her own interior design and event planning company, Elzie Style House.