Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Appoints Co-Interim Principals at York Community High School

Elmhurst, IL – Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 is pleased to announce that Dr. Linda Yonke and Mr. Stephan Bild were approved by the Board of Education at tonight’s Special Board of Education meeting to serve as Co-Interim Principals of York Community High School for the 2026–2027 school year.

This appointment reflects the District’s commitment to conducting a comprehensive and thoughtful search process for the next permanent principal of York while ensuring continued excellence, stability, and support for students and staff during the transition.

Dr. Yonke and Mr. Bild bring decades of leadership experience in large, comprehensive high school settings, along with a shared commitment to student success, staff support, and continuous improvement.

Dr. Linda Yonke is a highly respected educational leader who has served as a superintendent, principal, and district consultant across several high-performing school systems. Most notably, she served as Principal of York Community High School from 1998 to 2004, where she led significant school improvement efforts, including curriculum development, staff training initiatives, and a major facilities expansion project.

She later served as Superintendent of New Trier Township High School District 203, overseeing more than 700 employees and a nationally recognized academic program, while leading strategic planning, technology transformation, and a successful capital referendum.

Since her retirement, Dr. Yonke has continued to serve in interim superintendent roles and as a mentor to district leaders, including prior work supporting Elmhurst District 205.

Mr. Stephan Bild brings more than 50 years of experience in education, including serving as a high school principal, district leader, and mentor to emerging administrators. He most recently served as Interim Principal at Glenbrook North High School and Interim Principal at Lake Zurich High School, among several other interim leadership roles.

During his tenure as Principal in Downers Grove Community High School District 99, Mr. Bild led a school of more than 3,000 students and 400 staff members, overseeing all aspects of school operations, curriculum, and student services. His background also includes extensive experience in special education leadership, staff development, and mentoring new principals, making him especially well-suited to support both students and staff during times of transition.

In their roles as co-interim principals, Dr. Yonke and Mr. Bild will work collaboratively with district and school leadership to maintain the strong momentum already in place at York. They will focus on ensuring a high-quality educational experience and maintaining the great work that brings such pride to York and our school community while providing stability for students, families, and staff.

“When I learned of the need at York, it truly was not a question for me whether I would return to Elmhurst to support the Dukes through this transition,” said Dr. Linda Yonke. “York holds a special place in my heart, and I deeply value and cherish the entire Elmhurst community. I am honored to once again serve alongside the talented staff and leadership team to support students and ensure a smooth and successful transition year. I look forward to reconnecting with a community that means so much to me.”

“York has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and I am excited to partner with Dr. Yonke and the York community during this important time,” said Mr. Stephan Bild. “My goal is to support the continued success of students and staff while helping to sustain the strong systems already in place.”

Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell expressed gratitude for the willingness of both leaders to step into these roles. “I am incredibly grateful that two leaders of this caliber will be supporting York during this time,” said Dr. Campbell. “Both Dr. Yonke and Mr. Bild bring a depth of experience, steady leadership, and a strong understanding of high-performing high schools. Their partnership allows us to ensure continuity and excellence for our students and staff, while also taking the necessary time to identify the highest quality candidate to lead York for many years to come.”

The contracts for Dr. Yonke and Mr. Bild will officially begin on July 1, 2026 with five additional days of transition work that will begin immediately.

Elmhurst District 205 remains committed to transparency and engagement throughout this transition process. The appointment of co-interim principals allows the District to conduct a thorough and inclusive search for York’s next permanent principal, with a continued focus on providing all students and families with a high quality comprehensive high school experience leading graduates to be college, career, and life ready.

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