During its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13, the District 97 Board of Education approved the appointment of Amanda Siegfried as the district’s director of communications, effective immediately. Siegfried, who previously served two years as the district’s digital communications coordinator, replaces Chris Jasculca, who announced his resignation in July to accept the position of director of communications for Hinsdale Township High School District 86.
“Strong and effective communication is critical to the success of any organization,” said Superintendent Carol Kelley. “During Amanda’s two years working with our district, she has displayed the knowledge and skills necessary to build on and elevate our level of communication to district stakeholders.”
In her role as the digital communications coordinator, Siegfried was responsible for the day-to-day management of the district’s websites, writing and editing content, and developing strategies around visual storytelling. She launched the district’s YouTube channel in 2017 and has produced more than 20 videos highlighting District 97 programs, partnerships, students and staff.
Prior to joining District 97, Siegfried served three years as the communications and community relations supervisor for Cook County School District 130, a K-8 district in Blue Island. She started her career in 2010 as the founding editor of the local news website Lemont Patch, where she spent three years leading all reporting, editing, social media and marketing efforts.
Siegfried earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.
“I want to thank the District 97 Board of Education and Superintendent Kelley for this incredible opportunity to lead the district’s communications department,” Siegfried said. “Chris has been a valuable mentor over the past two years, and I am extremely proud of our collective work to expand the district’s digital presence. I am excited to step into this new role, and look forward to increasing the district’s efforts to keep our parents, students and staff informed and engaged.”