Superintendent
815-521-4311
Email Dr. Robert Schiffbauer

Dr. Schiffbauer joined the Minooka Community High School staff as the Superintendent in 2022. Prior to Minooka Community High School, Dr. Schiffbauer worked at Lincoln-Way Community High School for 19 years. At LWHS, Dr. Schiffbauer held many positions. He was a teacher, coach, dean, associate principal, Director of Personnel, and most recently Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Schiffbauer started his teaching career at Seneca Grade School in Seneca, Illinois as a sixth-grade teacher. Dr. Schiffbauer earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale also a Master of Educational Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis. Dr. Schiffbauer resides in Minooka with his family. 

Assistant Superintendent of
Business and General Counsel
815-521-4294
Email John Troy

Mr. Troy started as Chief School Business Official (CSBO) of Minooka Community High School in 2015, and in 2016 became the Assistant Superintendent and General Counsel for the district.  Also, Mr. Troy served three years as CSBO of Mokena Elementary School District No. 159, in Mokena, IL.  Before serving as a CSBO, Mr. Troy practiced law privately and was an engineering manager at Underwriters Laboratories for 14 years. Mr. Troy has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois, a Master’s of Business Administration from DePaul University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois - Chicago Law School.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
815-521-4384
Email Phil Pakowski

Dr. Pakowski began serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in 2025. He earned a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Northern Illinois University, a master's degree in Teaching from National Louis University, a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership both from the University of St. Francis. Prior to serving in this role, Dr. Pakowski previously served as the Associate Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at Plainfield South High School and Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Minooka Community High School in 2022. He resides in Aurora with his wife and two children.

Principal
815-467-2140, ext. 5067
Email Jamie Soliman

Ms. Soliman began serving Building Principal in 2022. Ms. Soliman earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis. Prior to coming to Minooka Community High School, Ms. Soliman began her teaching career in 1999 at Plainfield Central High School. While in Plainfield, she taught mathematics and served as the Department Chair for Mathematics which evolved into the Division Chair for Mathematics and Science. In 2012, Ms. Soliman joined the administration team as the Associate Principal for Curriculum and Instruction and then the Assistant Principal of South Campus in 2018. Ms. Soliman previously coached girls tennis, girls track, and was the yearbook advisor.

Director of Human Resources
815-521-4359
Email Kristi Boe

Mrs. Boe began her career in education in 2003.  She taught social studies for 10 years, served as a counselor for two, and most recently served as the Assistant Principal of Student Services in the Plainfield School District for seven years.  During her career as a teacher, Mrs. Boe coached volleyball, softball, and served as the senior class sponsor.  Mrs. Boe received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Illinois in 2002. Immediately after graduation, she attended Eastern Illinois University and earned a master's degree in Science in School Counseling.  In 2009, Mrs. Boe received her master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis.  Mrs. Boe resides with her husband and four children in Shorewood. 

Director of Finance
(815) 521-4453
Email Kathi Norman

Mrs. Norman started as the District Bookkeeper/Payroll of Minooka Community High School in 2020 and in 2023 became the Director of Finance for the District. Mrs. Norman previously served as Payroll Specialist at District Troy 30c for nine years. Mrs. Norman received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Lewis University, Master of Science in Education School Business Management degree from Northern Illinois University along with earning her Chief School Business Official (CSBO) licensure. Mrs. Norman resides in Minooka.

Director of Student Services
815-467-2140, ext. 5035
Email Joseph V. Pacetti

Mr. Pacetti began serving as the Director of Special Services at Minooka Community High School in 2014. Mr. Pacetti earned his Bachelor of Science degree and Masters of Educational Leadership from Illinois State University.  Prior to serving as the Director of Student Services, Mr. Pacetti served as the Assistant Director of Special Education in West Aurora. Mr. Pacetti was also an Administrator in the Wilmington School District and Oswego. He began his career as a Special Education teacher at Minooka Community High School in 1995.

South Campus
Assistant Principal
815-521-4150
Email Kevin Murphy

Mr. Murphy started at Minooka Community High School in 2005 as a teacher in the Social Studies department.  Mr. Murphy coached Boys Basketball at Minooka Community High School for 12 years.  In 2016, Mr. Murphy was named Dean of Students at Central Campus.  Mr. Murphy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from North Central College and a Master of Educational Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. Mr. Murphy lives in New Lenox with his wife and two children.

Central Campus
Assistant Principal
815-467-2140, ext. 5038
Email Matt Wikoff

Mr. Wikoff started at Minooka Community High School in 2008 as a Dean of Students and in 2009 was named Assistant Principal.  Prior to coming to Minooka Community High School, Mr. Wikoff taught and coached in the Plainfield School District for nine years.  Mr. Wikoff earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Aurora University and his Master of Educational Leadership from Governors State University.

Director of Student Activities
815-521-4152
Email Hillary Holden

Mrs. Holden joined Minooka Community High School in 2005 as a faculty member and was appointed Director of Student Activities in 2016. Prior to her time at Minooka, she began her teaching career at Yorkville High School as a physical education and health instructor. In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, Mrs. Holden has coached both volleyball and track and field. She currently resides in Shorewood with her husband and daughter and is also a stepmother to two adult children.

Director of Athletics
815-521-2320
Email Matt Williams

Mr. Williams began his career at Minooka Community High School in 2019 as the Department Chair of Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education. Prior to teaching at Minooka Community High School, he was at Yorkville High School for 8 years, where he served as a department chair and coached football and basketball. Mr. Williams received his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education at Northern Illinois University and later earned his Masters in Educational Leadership from American College of Education. He currently lives in Channahon with his wife and two boys. You can follow Matt on twitter @Indian_Coach.

Assistant Director of Athletics
815-521-2350
Email Nick Barello

Mr. Barello began working at Minooka Community High School in 2013 as part of the Science Department. He earned his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Northern Illinois University, a master's degree in Education from the University of St. Francis, and a second master's degree in Educational Leadership, also from the University of St. Francis. He coached baseball through the 2025 season, boys basketball for six years, and girls golf for three years. From 2020 to 2022, Nick served as the Fall seasonal athletic director. In 2025, he transitioned out of the classroom and assumed the role of Assistant Athletic Director. 

Mathematics
Department
815-521-4053
Email Tracey Adams

Mrs. Adams began her teaching career at Minooka Community High School in 2008. After serving as a classroom teacher, in 2020, she became the Department Chair of Mathematics. Mrs. Adams received her Bachelor of Science degree from University of Iowa and later earned her Masters of Education Administration from Governors State University. She currently lives in Channahon with her husband and three children.

CTE
Department
815-467-2140, ext. 5030
Email Jon Calder

Mr. Calder began his career with Minooka Community High School in 2019. Prior to teaching at Minooka Community High School, Mr. Calder worked at Yorkville HS for 9 years as a teacher, department chair, and Dean of Students. Mr. Calder brings over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry to his career in education. He received his BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Northern Arizona University. He later graduated with a Masters in Teaching from Olivet Nazarene University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. He currently lives in Oswego with his wife and dogs.

World Languages, Music & Art
Department
815-521-2324
Email Jeff Easthon

Mr. Easthon started at Minooka Community High School in 2008-2009 after spending the first three years of his career teaching Spanish at Benjamin Logan High School in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He has worked the last 17 years here at Minooka Community High School, the past eight as Department Chair of World Languages, Music, and Art. Mr. Easthon received his Bachelors degree from Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, and his Masters of Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. Mr. Easthon lives in New Lenox with his wife and two children.

Science
Department
815-521-4385
Email Chris Erickson

Mr. Erickson originally joined Minooka Community High School in 2000 and then again in 2020 as a physics teacher. Prior to rejoining the Minooka Community High School family, Mr. Erickson served as Division Chairperson for Science, Applied Technology, and Family & Consumer Sciences at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park for 13 years. Mr. Erickson earned his BS from Illinois State University and his MA from Governors State University. Mr. Erickson is proud to call Minooka Community High School his home alongside his wife, Michelle (English Department), and children (Minooka Community High School Classes of '21, '24, & '27)

Social Studies
Department
815-521-4201
Email Christopher Pendergast

Mr. Pendergast began his teaching career at Minooka Community High School in 2012 as an FMLA substitute teacher and was hired full-time to teach social studies the following year. Following 8 years of teaching various history, government, and geography courses across all grade levels at Minooka Community High School, he became the Department Chair of Social Studies in 2020. Mr. Pendergast received his Bachelor's Degree in History Education from Illinois State University and his Masters Degree in History from Arizona State University. He is currently working on his Masters degree in Educational Leadership and Principal Preparation from the University of St. Francis. He currently resides in Channahon with his wife and two children. You can follow Mr. Pendergast and the whole Minooka Community High School Social Studies department on twitter @MCHS_SocStudies.

Special Education
Department

Email Matt Shanahan

Mr. Shanahan started at Minooka Community High School in 2017 as a Special Education teacher. Before teaching at Minooka High School, Mr. Shanahan taught Special Education for three years at Peotone High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a focus in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University. He completed a Masters's Degree in Educational Leadership from Governors State University. Mr. Shanahan also coaches baseball at Minooka Community High School. He currently lives in Frankfort, Illinois with his wife and daughter. You can follow Matthew on Twitter @MrShanahanMCHS.

PE/Health/Drivers Education
Department
815-521-2338
Email Matthew Smith

Mr. Matt Smith began his teaching career in 2013 and joined Minooka Community High School in the fall of 2019. Now in his seventh year with the district, he teaches Strength Training and serves as the Department Chair for Physical Education, Health, and Driver’s Education. Mr. Smith is also the Head Freshman Football Coach and has been actively involved in supporting the school’s athletic programs since his arrival. Prior to Minooka, he spent five years teaching in the Indian Creek School District #425.
He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Health and Wellness Promotion from the American College of Education. He is currently pursuing a second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
Mr. Smith lives in Sandwich, IL with his wife and daughter and looks forward to one day residing in the Minooka community. You can follow him on Twitter @coachsmith43.

English
Department
815-521-4060
Email JaRita Steward

Dr. Steward began serving as English Department Chair in 2021 at Minooka Community High School.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity Christian College and two Masters degrees, one in Reading and the other in Curriculum and Instruction, from Concordia University.  Before  serving as Department Chair, JaRita was a  Division Leader and Reading Teacher at Thornridge High School.  Dr. Steward began her teaching career at Calvin Christian School, teaching U.S. History, Ancient Civilizations, and English.  After which, she took on a role as first Reading Specialist and then Curriculum Director for General George S. Patton Elementary School.  JaRita attained a doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University with a dissertation on Raising Expectations; Utilizing Research-based Methods Linking Teacher Expectations and Student Achievement. 

Director of Community Relations
815-521-4112
Email Aubrey Knight

Mrs. Knight began her career at Minooka Community High School in 2022 as the Director of Community Relations. Prior to this role, she served as the Director of Alumni & Family Relations at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Ms. Knight received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of St. Francis as well as earned her Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Francis. She currently lives in Shorewood, Illinois with her husband and two children.

Director of Technology
815-521-4017
Email Jim Kelly

Mr. Kelly began his career with Minooka Community High School in 2013. Mr. Kelly is a Minooka Community High School Alumni where he enjoyed success on the Soccer field.  Mr. Kelly graduated from Lewis University with a Masters Degree in Information Security. Mr. Kelly continues to enjoy the sport of Soccer as he has coached the Minooka Community High School Boys' team since 2013.

Director of Buildings and Grounds
815-467-2140, ext. 5069
Email Jason Piper

Mr. Piper began at Minooka Community High School in May of 2020 as Director of Buildings and Grounds. Prior to coming to Minooka Community High School, he was Facilities Supervisor at Indian Oaks Academy in Manteno IL for 10 years.  Prior to Indian Oaks Academy, he was a General Contractor. Mr. Piper received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Illinois State University. Mr. Piper lives in Herscher.

Director of Transportation
815-467-5133
Email David Barrett

Assistant Director of Transportation
815-467-5133
Email Sloane Dempsay

Ms. Dempsay joined the Minooka Transportation Department in May of 2025. She has been in the school bus industry for over 20 years. She began her transportation career as a school bus driver while at Wilmington First Student and Illinois Central School Bus. While at ICSB, she advanced into the position of local manager;  followed by corporate fleet manager. Prior to coming to Minooka she was also the fleet manager at Safeway Transportation. Ms. Dempsay is the proud mom of four adult children.