Principal Casey Buckstaff
I love Saint John the Evangelist School. It is a vibrant school community for all those who are part of our St. John family and extends far into the local community. Together as educators, parents, and students, we are a school where the value of educating children in the tradition of academic excellence supported by social and spiritual growth is evident in every classroom; and evident in the spirit we feel when our children succeed in many ways. I started my own Catholic education in Mount Prospect, Illinois, at Saint Raymond Catholic School. I am a lifelong learner and have continued my education at the University of Notre Dame (BA), Notre Dame of Maryland University (MAT), and then back to the University of Notre Dame – Mendoza College of Business (MNA).
I began my career as a second-grade teacher through Operation TEACH, a volunteer teaching program. I worked for Catholic Relief Services in the Philippines, writing educational programming on the subject of peacebuilding and mediation for middle and high school students. I have been an educational leader in the Catholic schools since 2006. The children, parents, and teachers who are part of the Catholic schools are among the most engaged, motivated, and joyful people I have encountered in my work. I think the value of Catholic education is both vividly seen and intimately known as children grow into young people and then adults who engage with our fast paced world in a very intentional way.
School Board Officers
David Niccolini, Chairperson
AJ Monaco, Vice Chairperson
Marian Baxter, Secretary
Joseph Bonner, Finance Committee Chairperson