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 exp

Episode 38 - Mark Gaffino

May 24th, 2024 18m 21s

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,

Episode 37 - Dr. Brian Dr. Brian Knetl & Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills

Apr 18th, 2024 35m 32s

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 f

Episode36 - Linnea Windel

Mar 22nd, 2024 16m 34s

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, loca

Episode 35 - SD129 Student Board Members

Feb 22nd, 2024 33m 47s

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

Episode 34 - Valerie Brown Dykstra

Feb 8th, 2024 27m 4s

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 s

Episode 33 - Mike Lehman

Jan 26th, 2024 30m 43s

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

Episode 32 - Kelly Person

Dec 7th, 2023 31m 8s

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 bec

Episode 31 - Laura Edwards

Oct 20th, 2023 27m 12s

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 insig

Episode 30 - Pete Martino

Oct 5th, 2023 25m 41s

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

Episode 29 - Kevin Briars & Will Marks

Apr 27th, 2023 29m 10s

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 challenge

2023 State of the District Message

Mar 18th, 2023 1h 44m

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 upo

Episode 28 - Marti Neahring

Feb 24th, 2023 24m 22s

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

Episode 27 - Jason Buckley

Jan 26th, 2023 37m 14s

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

Episode 26 - Dr. Michael P. Smith

Nov 29th, 2022 30m 48s

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

Episode 25 - Tom Davidson

Oct 20th, 2022 33m 33s

Principal of Washington Middle School, Tom Davidson, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.

Episode 24- Pat Callahan & Pay Dacy

Sep 14th, 2022 43m 15s

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.

Episode 23 - Lynn Head

May 19th, 2022 26m 49s

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

Episode 22 - Dr. Chuck Hiscock

Apr 29th, 2022 28m 18s

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

Episode 21 - Laura Beatus

Mar 23rd, 2022 30m 35s

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

Episode 20 - Neal Ormond

Feb 25th, 2022 27m 59s

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.