Debbi McAtee, Board Vice President

SERVING SINCE: 2012
CURRENT TERM: 2025-2029
EMAIL: [email protected]
RESIDENT: Village of Wheeling
OCCUPATION: Stay-At-Home Parent and Volunteer. Girl Scout Leader for Wheeling & Buffalo Grove Troops.
IASB RECOGNITION: Distinguished Board Leader
SELF-DESCRIPTION IN 3 WORDS: Unconventional. Protective. Educator.

“At CCSD 21, we focus on equity, making sure that all of our students are able to get what they need to succeed. Our diversity and the way we embrace it makes our district special.”

APPOINTMENTS

• Board Community Engagement & Strategic Partnership Committee (Chair)
• Board Policy Committee
• Board Champion to the Stakeholder Engagement Strategic Plan Goal
• Liaison to Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO)
• Liaison to the Village of Wheeling

OTHER BOARD POSITIONS

• Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) Governing Board President

BOARD MEMBER MANDATED TRAINING

• Open Meetings Act (OMA) Training – May 18, 2012
• Professional Development Leadership Training (PDLT) & Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) Training – May 31, 2013
• Basics of Governance – November 16, 2012
• Trauma-Informed Practices – June 12, 2025

Click here to view a full list of professional training and development activities.

Q&A

What is one thing about you that few people know?

“I love old muscle cars. I spent a lot of time in high school in the auto shop and working on mine and my friends’ cars.”

What skills do you bring to the table?

“My empathy and compassion. I take the time to learn about the other side of conflicts so that I can see where the disagreement is coming from.”

Why did you decide to run for the Board?

“I applied to fill a vacancy on the Board to ensure it remains focused on serving all students and supporting the broader community.”

What is your proudest Board achievement(s) so far?

“The top three would be passing the referendum so that we could offer all-day kindergarten, air-condition our schools, and do safety upgrades; the way that approach taken in handling COVID-19; and the opening of the new community center.”

What value does the Board bring to the students, the District, & the community?

“Our board consists of seven individuals that all embrace the concept of being lifelong learners and proponents of quality public education. We provide varied perspectives; from the historical knowledge of multiple superintendents and other administrators to members with students currently enrolled in our schools.”

What are your goals while serving on the Board?

” Equity and acceptance. I want everyone to get what they need to be successful; including all students and staff. I want everyone to be accepted for who they are and who they strive to be.”