CENTRAL DISTRICT 301 SELECTS NEW SUPERINTENDENT
After an eight-month search, the Central Community District 301 School Board has appointed Amy MacCrindle as its next superintendent.
She will assume the role July 1 at the start of the district’s new fiscal year and prior to the start of the 2026-27 school year, according to a news release. The Burlington-based district encompasses several towns, including a portion of Elgin.
MacCrindle is currently assistant superintendent for learning and teaching for Huntley Community School District 158, where she oversees curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning and districtwide learning initiatives.
“Dr. MacCrindle stood out for her experience, her thoughtful approach to leadership, and her clear commitment to students and staff,” board president Ryan Wasson said in the release.
Esther Mongan resigned as superintendent in February 2025 and was paid through June. Kyle Schumacher and Timothy Kilrea have been serving a interim co-superintendents.
“This is a district that values relationships, learning and growth,” MacCrindle said in the release. “I look forward to listening, building trust and working alongside our students, staff, families, community and board to ensure every learner thrives as we continue building on our strengths and preparing students for their future.”
Mike Danahey / The Courier-News
Side Street Studio’s next Art Clash competition, with a theme of “love and hate,” will be held Saturday at 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin.(The Courier-News)
SIDE STREET STUDIO HOLDING ART CLASH SATURDAY
Side Street Studio Arts will hold its first Art Clash of 2026 from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at its location at 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin.
The clash asks participants to complete paintings in the theme of “love and hate” that are then judged by audience members in three rounds, according to the nonprofit’s website. After each round a number of artists are eliminated based on voting results. Second round eliminations are based on the cumulative voting in both preliminary rounds. In the final round, the previous points are discarded and anyone still painting can win.
Future Art Clash sessions are set for March 21, April 11 and May 16, each with a different theme. The top two finishers from each will compete in a final session on June 27.
The event is free to enter and most supplies are provided. Audience members can pay a suggested admission of $18 or whatever they can afford.
For more information, go to sidestreetstudioarts.org.
SUNDAY DEADLINE TO ORDER DUNDEE LIONS HOAGIES
The deadline to order hoagies through a Dundee Lions Club fundraising event is Sunday, Feb. 22.
Sandwiches are $8 each, with proceeds going to Veterans Path to Hope, according to a social media post. The nonprofit provides a variety of services for veterans, including assistance with food, peer counseling, housing and employment.
Hoagie orders can be picked up from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 5, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at West Dundee VFW Post 2298, 117 S. First St.
Orders can be placed at my.cheddarup.com/c/dundee-township-lions-2nd-annual-hoagie-fundraiser/items.
