About Our District
Creston Community Consolidated School District #161 is located in Creston, Illinois and serves the counties of DeKalb, Lee, and Ogle. Creston is a rural community conveniently located near Rochelle, DeKalb, and Rockford.
Our district is committed to providing every student with an exceptional education that prepares them for a lifetime of success, growth, and contribution to their community.
"Every child who walks through our doors deserves the very best — an education that empowers, a community that supports, and opportunities that inspire them to lead."
Nicole Zellmer
Superintendent, Creston CCSD #161
Our Mission
At Creston CCSD #161, our mission is to empower individuals through education, by creating a supportive learning environment that focuses on building strong foundations, facilitating success, and nurturing the development of excellence in each student. Together, as a united community, we are committed to providing innovative and personalized educational experiences that equip our learners with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for them to emerge as confident, ethical, and accomplished leaders of tomorrow.
Our Vision
Empowering students, shaping leaders, and building brighter futures.
Our Beliefs
Excellence
We hold high expectations for every student and staff member, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic achievement.
Community
We believe in the power of partnership between families, educators, and community members to support every child's success.
Compassion
We treat every member of our school family with kindness, empathy, and respect, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Shared Responsibility
Education is a shared responsibility and requires collaboration of the school, the student, the family, and the community.
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning, a process that begins with parents in the home and is cultivated by teachers and staff in the schools, is essential for success in a changing society.
Integrity
Students should demonstrate respect for self, others, and the environment; be dependable and responsible citizens; and act safely and with integrity.
Our Goals
Goal 1: Student Growth and Success
Students will have the academic capacity and self awareness to prepare them for life and career success.
We will provide a rigorous curriculum with clarity and consistency in all subject areas and ensure reliable assessment data and feedback to guide best practice instruction.
We will provide differentiated instruction, interventions, and enrichments to meet each student's needs and equip students with the necessary skills, tools, technologies, and strategies to set goals, develop action plans, and monitor/report their own progress.
Goal 2: Professional Learning Community
We cultivate a positive and productive working environment that attracts, develops, and retains high quality staff.
We will increase and improve internal communication and collaboration through the Professional Learning Community model.
We will provide meaningful, research-based, consistent, on-going professional learning to our employees to assist them to meet continuously changing demands.
Goal 3: Family and Community Engagement
We elevate student achievement by engaging families and the community as vital partners in the education process.
We will design, implement and reflect on a two-way communication system to share expectations for families to participate and be advocates for their student's learning from birth through 8th grade.
We will utilize a data system to monitor progress and report district and school performance in an efficient, effective and timely manner.
Goal 4: Fiscal Stability
We demonstrate effective and efficient business operations and ensure excellent stewardship of public resources.
We will be proactive in forecasting and allocating financial resources to ensure the best possible educational program for our students while being mindful of our taxpayers.
Human Resources
Access employment-related documents, collective bargaining agreements, and HR resources for Creston CCSD #161.
Current Vacancies
Creston CCSD #161 is committed to attracting exceptional educators and staff. Open positions are listed below.
Administrative Assistant
2025–2026 School YearSadly, Mrs. Collins is getting ready to retire after several years of dedicated service to our school community. While we will greatly miss her, we are looking for the next friendly, organized, and dependable Administrative Assistant to join our team at Creston School! This position plays a key role in supporting our school office and creating a welcoming environment for students, staff, and families.
What you'll do:
- Greet and assist students, parents, and visitors
- Manage calls, emails, and daily office tasks
- Support attendance, scheduling, and school events
- Assist staff and administration with day-to-day operations
What we're looking for:
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Experience in an office or school setting preferred
Work side-by-side with Mrs. Collins during the upcoming school year to ensure a smooth and successful transition into the role.
Part-Time Art Teacher
2026–2027 School YearCreston Elementary School is seeking a Part-Time Art Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year.
Middle School Math Teacher
2026–2027 School YearCreston Elementary School is seeking a Middle School Math Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year.
Title IX
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX states that:
"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
Title IX Sexual Harassment Prohibited
Sex discrimination as defined in Title IX (Title IX Sex Discrimination) is prohibited. A District employee, agent, or student violates this prohibition whenever that person engages in conduct on the basis of sex that causes another person to be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity operated by the District. Title IX Sex Discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity.
Sex-based harassment is a form of Title IX Sex Discrimination occurring when conduct satisfies one or more of the following: (1) A District employee conditions an aid, benefit, or service on participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; (2) Unwelcome sex-based conduct that is severe or pervasive and limits a person's ability to participate in the education program; or (3) Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined in 34 C.F.R. §106.2.
Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Policy
A person who wishes to make a report under this Title IX Sexual Harassment grievance procedure may make a report to the Title IX Coordinator/Superintendent, Building Principal/Director of Education, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking. A person who wishes to make a report may choose to report to a person of the same gender.
Training Materials
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in employment. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the District's Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Dept. of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both. To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please contact nzellmer@crestonschool.org.
District Wellness Program
Creston CCSD #161 is committed to the health and well-being of all students and staff. The district wellness program promotes healthy eating, physical activity, and a positive school environment.
Wellness Committee meetings are open to the community. Contact the district office for meeting schedule information.