Superintendent's Updates | Mundelein High School

D120 Superintendent’s Message
June 2025

When we talk about Mundy Pride, it’s typically in the context of a great game by one of our teams, an amazing show by our performing artists or a well-deserved academic honor.

But we’re also very proud of those day-to-day efforts that help make those student achievements possible. Mundy Pride is built on the consistent dedication of teachers, coaches and administrators over time. It’s the result of support from our families, community members and business partners who all come together to create incredible opportunities for our students.

In our June district newsletter, we highlight the results of these efforts. In this space, I’d like to give credit to those who pave the way for student success.

Our community provides a great deal of support for our music program. Our music directors, student musicians and their families all deserve credit for being named one of the Best Communities in Music Education by the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation for the second year in a row.
We have an amazing staff. In May, five of our staff members were nominated for Educator of the Year Awards by the Lake County Regional Office of Education. They included MHS Teacher and EL Coordinator Autumn Graef, D120 Director of Security Fred Kliora, MHS Associate Principal of Operations Mike Souza, MHS Instructional Coach / English teacher Samantha Balbarin and MHS Counselor / Attendance Interventionist Vanessa Prorok.
We have awesome community volunteers. In April, we celebrated those volunteers and community partners who make it possible for our MHS students to have what we call “experiential education” through internships and mentoring opportunities.
MHS excels in its academic programs. Our school was named to the College Board’s 2024 Advanced Placement Program (AP) School Honor Roll, earning a Silver distinction.
Thanks to our community for coming together to support our facilities referendum in November. In April, we broke ground on a major facilities improvement project that will create an environment where students can thrive.

We’re very fortunate to have support from folks who are talented, dedicated and passionate about our students. They’re the driving force behind “Mundy Pride.”

As I step into retirement, I’d like to welcome Dr. Corey Tafoya as your incoming superintendent. Corey will fit in well with the School Board, staff and District 120 community. He joins a team here that is second-to-none, and is well-prepared to lead us into a bright future at MHS.