Incoming freshmen and transfer students at York Community High School can walk their class schedules, find their lockers and explore the building Tuesday evening, Aug. 11, two days before the first day of school.

The annual Back to School Bash runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at York and includes games, a DJ and Kona Ice, according to District 205. The event is open to all students new to the school.

It will also be many families' first in-person look at the leadership team running York this year. Co-interim principals Dr. Linda Yonke and Stephan Bild were approved unanimously (6-0) by the D205 Board of Education on May 6 after former principal Jessica Hurt left in spring 2026 for Indian Prairie District 204. It marks the first time York has had two principals sharing the role simultaneously.

Yonke, who served as York's principal from 1998 to 2004 and oversaw a major facilities expansion, earns $1,300 per day. Bild, who brings more than 50 years in education including stints as principal at Downers Grove South High School and interim principal at Glenbrook North, earns $1,100 per day. Their contracts began July 1.

"I've learned how to be a temp. I simply serve as a bridge to what's coming," Bild said at the May 6 board meeting. "I'm looking forward to being a Duke."

The arrangement means York's current freshmen and sophomores will experience three leadership teams in four years, a concern board member Brian Bresnahan raised at the May vote. Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell said a full search for a permanent principal will begin this fall, with a hire targeted for July 1, 2027.

District 205 serves more than 8,500 students in grades pre-K through 12. As we reported Aug. 5, D205 held teacher orientation the week of Aug. 4. The Back to School Bash shifts the focus to students and families.

The first day of student attendance is Thursday, Aug. 13.