Burke blazing pathways for students as new Illini Bluffs athletics/activities director

Emily Burke is Illini Bluffs' new athletics and activities director, beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Photo provided.

GLASFORD — Emily Burke wasn’t the most sporty kid while she was in high school. 

However, that didn’t stop the mother of two from getting involved with them. Three years ago,  during her first year working in the Illini Bluffs school district, she saw a need that she eventually helped fill. 

“I started kind of getting into the sports side of things, because my son runs cross country, but we didn't have a middle school cross country team,” Burke said. 

Fast forward to 2025 and Burke’s foray into sports has led her to become the new activities and athletics director at Illini Bluffs High School. She takes the place of Steve Schaefer, who retired from the position at the end of the 2024-25 school year after 11 years.

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