• jmccabe@wesd185.org    

• Term Began:  2001        

• IASB “Master School Board Member” Award

I work for IL FBFM and have been a field staff and VP of Innovations for 34 years.  I have a BS in Agriculture Economics. I am an enrolled agent with the IRS. I have worked in Agriculture Business Analysis for my entire career. 

My wife Michelle and I moved to the Waltham district in 1995 and have raised our son and daughter here. Michelle has worked for Compeer for 30 years. Both of our children work in the area for local businesses. In addition Michelle and I feel it highly important to give back to the community and education in our area. 

I continue to be on the board for a variety of reasons.  I work to help students grow and change for the future. I also volunteer as bowling coach and coordinate the ag program that involves growing popcorn and other produce.  I serve on the finance, technology and teacher contract negotiation committee.

The best thing I like about Waltham is the overwhelming ability of the school community to step up and help in so many ways. I also find our staff always willing to try the next new thing on the list and be innovative to the approach on educating children. It is just an exciting atmosphere to be involved with.

• sdemaso@wesd185.org 

• Term Began:  2019

I am a 1993 graduate of Davenport University. I currently work at Indiana University Health as a client service representative. I have over 30 years experience in the medical field.

I am married to Miranda DeMaso, my son Andrew DeMaso is a sophomore at University of Illinois, and my daughter Peyton DeMaso is a 7th grader at Waltham.

Waltham is incredibly unique. The teachers. Administration. Support staff.  They all each bring something really special to contribute to Waltham.

• rbalestri@wesd185.org

• Term Began:  2023

I grew up north of our area and attended a very small rural school similar to Waltham. My family and I moved into the district in 2016. I have had 2 children graduate from Waltham Grade School, I have one currently enrolled in the school and another one that will be joining shortly. My husband, Nick and I are very happy to be a part of Waltham School District.

I graduated from IVCC in 2005 and began my career in banking. Currently, I am a Lender at Eureka Savings Bank in Peru. I sit on multiple boards including the Chamber of Commerce, IV Leads Group & Foundation as well as being a member of the Peru Rotary Club. Being involved in community is very important to me.

I am very excited to be a board member at Waltham and grateful to be a part of a wonderful family and community. I believe in Waltham, the staff, administration, and the educators and want to make sure as a board member, we are doing our part to give the students the education they deserve.

• nmertes@wesd185.org

• Term Began : 2015

I am presently the Office Manager at Uptown Grill.  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies with a minor in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

I am married with five children.   Four have graduated, one currently enrolled, who are third generation Waltham students.

I have always loved our small school atmosphere. 

• kmorello@wesd185.org

• Term Began:  2022

I am a Waltham Grade School graduate class of 1995. I attended and graduated from Ottawa Township High School, IVCC, and Illinois State University. I obtained my BA in Special Education as a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 from ISU. I have over 15 years of experience teaching and working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. I currently work at Horizon House of Illinois Valley as the Coordinator of Team Leaders.

I am married to Dylan Morello and we have two daughters, Addison and Sydney. As a family we enjoy attending Crossbridge Church, attending and playing sporting events, and vacationing!

Waltham holds a special place in my life as I attended K-8th here. I love that the faculty knows each individual student and wants to see every student achieve their own personal greatness!

• anichols@wesd185.org

• Term Began:  2021

I grew up in the Illinois Valley area and have lived in Utica for over 10 years with my family. My two children both attend Waltham School. I am a special education teacher at a neighboring school and have ten years of experience in the field. My bachelor's degree is in communication from Northern Illinois University, and I will receive my master's degree from Western Illinois University this coming spring. I have also been a volunteer for LaSalle County CASA for the past four years.

Serving as a school board member for Waltham allows me to stay invested directly in the education for all of the students that attend. I have a strong personal interest in preserving and improving the quality of education our children receive and deserve. I currently serve on the transportation committee.

I love our school district and firmly believe we have some outstanding talent in both our staff and students.

• bphillips@wesd185.org

• Term Began:  2021