By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (February 12, 2021) – In a message on its website this week, District 158 shared the following message:
We are heartbroken to communicate the loss of one of our teachers, Mrs. Yolanda Halbert, who passed away unexpectedly towards the end of last week. Mrs. Halbert taught seventh grade special education at Memorial Junior High School the past two years and brought over 20 years of public education experience to our community. Her colleagues describe her as a terrific teacher, kind and amazing woman, gentle spirit, lifelong learner, and calm ray of light. She had profound care for her students and will be deeply missed. Please keep Mrs. Halbert and her family in your thoughts and don’t hesitate to reach out to or social workers and school psychologists for support.
Sincerely,
Lansing School District 158
In an interview with The Lansing Journal, District 158 Superintendent Dr. Nathan Schilling said, “She was very caring and very warm and loved her students and it’s very difficult—and still is—for our district to experience this.”
Halbert was 50 when she unexpectedly passed away last week. Funeral and visitation arrangements were made for this weekend.
“Obviously the District has had an outpouring of grief but also of support and appreciation for Yolanda and the work that she has done here in the district,” Schilling said. He indicated that the District would be taking steps to honor her memory in the future.
Halbert’s family is asking for donations in Yolanda’s name be made to the National Children’s Cancer Society.
