Superintendent
Welcome to District 86!
District 86 is proud of its long-standing tradition of excellence. With an exceptional array of academic, athletic, arts and activity opportunities for all, our students have many options to pursue their interests and explore something new. In addition to the pursuit of academic and co-curricular excellence, our students and staff also exhibit a strong dedication to service and demonstrate ardent school spirit. We are lucky to have a supportive community who provides the foundation for our students to grow and learn. We are honored to call D86 home.
Dr. Raymond Lechner
Dr. Raymond Lechner comes to District 86 with significant experience as a school administrator. He spent 20 years working for Wilmette Public Schools District 39, including 12 years as the superintendent and eight years as the assistant superintendent for special education and student services. Prior to that, he served as the state-approved director of special education (six years) and assistant director of student services (one year) for Orland School District 135. He was also a school psychologist for District 135, Berkeley School District 87 and the Proviso Area for Exceptional Children. Since retiring, he has served as an interim superintendent in four districts: Marquardt School District 15, Bensenville School District 2, DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 and Center Cass School District 66.
Lechner holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in school psychology from Northern Illinois University, a master’s degree in educational administration from Governors State University and a doctorate in educational psychology from Loyola University Chicago.
Dr. Linda Yonke
Dr. Linda Yonke comes to District 86 with more than 25 years of experience as a school administrator. She spent 13 years working for New Trier Township High School District 203, including 11 years as the superintendent and two years as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Prior to that, she was the principal at York Community High School for six years, Lake Central High School in Indiana for a year and Kankakee High School for five years. Since retiring, she has served as the interim superintendent for Township High School District 113 and Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205.
Yonke has a bachelor’s degree in history from Albion College, a master’s degree in language and literature from Governors State University, and an advanced certificate in educational administration and doctorate in educational organization from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Debra Kedrowski
Administrative Chief of Staff