D128 Voices

Episode 9 of D128 Voices kicks off the 2026-2027 school year with highlights from a D128 Summer Educational tour. Teacher Merissa Zyrkowski (VHHS), along with students David Bowsher (VHHS) and Evelyn Booth (LHS), join Superintendent Marc Schaffer to share their experiences as they joined 45 students and seven faculty members on the summer 2026 Happiness Expedition to Finland, Denmark and Sweden--three of the happiest countries in the world based on the Global Happiness Index.
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Episode ​8 of D128 Voices highlights ​Information Technology in District 128. D128 ​I​T Director Temple Murphy joins Superintendent Schaffer to discuss IT​ in D128, including AI, cybersecurity, and​ more.
 
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Episode 7 of D128 Voices highlights the District 128 Special Olympics Program. D128 Special Olympics  Coordinator and Coach Andy Compton, and student-athletes Marko Pastar and Max Amjadi, join Superintendent Schaffer to discuss the wide array of athletic opportunities for D128 Special Olympics athletes, the unified basketball team's recent state championship, and what it's like to be partners on the D128 Storm.
 
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Episode 6 of D128 Voices spotlights our student Board of Education Representatives. D128 Superintendent Marc Schaffer welcomes LHS Board Rep Andy Trob and VHHS Board Rep Oliva Bush. Andy and Olivia talk to Dr. Schaffer about how their year has evolved as board reps, the highlights and surprises, opportunities, and advice they would give to other students planning to apply to be on next year’s team.
 
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Episode 5 of D128 Voices spotlights Transition Pathways. D128 Superintendent Marc Schaffer welcomes Pathways Supervisor Christi Steiner and Case Manager and Special Education Teacher Cory Burns to talk about the opportunities Pathways offers to young adults, the latest happenings there, and the newest microbusiness the young adults are running.
 
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Episode 4 of D128 Voices spotlights the Libertyville High School Band Program. D128 Superintendent Marc Schaffer welcomes Libertyville High School Band Director Adam Gohr and student band members Caroline Guiard and Aarna Mishra to discuss the busy and exciting year the band has had, what is coming up for them in the next few months, and how the band experience impacts students.
 
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Episode 3 of D128 Voices spotlights the D128 Foundation for Learning. Superintendent Marc Schaffer sits down with Foundation Chair Erica Rendall and Secretary Melissa Lenczycki to recap the recent BIG EVENT, share what’s next on the Foundation’s horizon, and explore how its initiatives continue to enrich the educational experiences of D128 students.
 
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Superintendent Marc Schaffer welcomes Director of Equity and Inclusion Larry Varn, VHHS Senior Ginger Perry and LHS Junior Riley Henderson to the podcast to share their experiences while attending the first D128 DARING Ed Tour. In October, 45 students participated in the first tour that took them through Maryland and Washington, DC, blending college exploration, cultural immersion and shared reflection.
 
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Welcome to D128 Voices! In the inaugural episode, Community High School District 128 Superintendent Marc Schaffer welcomes College and Career Readiness Director Ben Rodriguez and students Emma Thompson (LHS '26) and Vaidehi Matkar (VHHS '27). They share their experiences in the Pathways Program and insights on how the D128 College and Career Readiness Program makes students future-ready.