News Releases
April Employee of the Month:
Debbie Ross,
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
 April 1, 2007
Her pleasant personality and calm, efficient manner make Debbie Ross the ideal person for her position as executive assistant to Superintendent Bob McKanna. Whether fielding parent telephone calls, coordinating Dr. McKanna’s busy schedule, arranging meetings, or any of the other myriad responsibilities she handles, Debbie completes each task with skill and sensitivity.
“Debbie is a real team player, excellent at taking the initiative and knowing what needs to be done next,” her nominator said. “Her excellent communication skills make a huge difference. She has been a key person in developing and improving working relationships and opening communications throughout the district.” Debbie is also praised for her credibility, honesty, and integrity, and for inspiring trust.
Since coming to District 15 in 1995, Debbie has served in two executive assistant jobs, first in the Department of Instruction, and since 2002 in the Superintendent’s Office. In addition to her regular job responsibilities, Debbie has been an active member of the ESC Social Committee, taking great delight in planning and coordinating holiday parties, retirement parties, and other special events.
Debbie was born in Chicago and grew up in the northwest suburbs, one of three daughters in a family which included her identical twin Pam Seick (now executive assistant in the Department of Instruction) and older sister Lynn. Debbie attended two years of high school at Sacred Heart of Mary (in the building where Conyers Learning Academy is now) and two years at Wheeling High School. She studied at Harper College for two years, earning a certificate in business and material management.
While working at Lawry’s Foods as a secretary, she met her husband, Bill, and they were married in 1976. Debbie then took a job as customer service manager for Teledyne Continental Motors. Later she and Bill moved to Florida, where Debbie spent eight years as manager of Spruce Creek Country Club. They moved back to Illinois to be near their families, and Debbie worked for two years as executive assistant to the president of Costec before joining District 15.
Debbie and Bill own a home in Florida, and she is looking forward to moving there when she retires. Bill, who retired last year, is already in Florida setting up their home. She aspires to a simpler life, where she can indulge her passion for gardening, enjoy walks on the beach, solve Sudoku puzzles, and travel. Debbie also plans to become involved in training assistance dogs for blind or disabled people or as therapy dogs. She describes this long-time ambition as a “win/win” job. “As an animal lover, I’ll get to work with dogs and I’ll also be helping someone in need,” she said.
Debbie will be recognized at the April 11, 2007, Board of Education meeting, to be held at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School, at 7 p.m.
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