District 88 recognizes and thanks retiring Chief Financial Officer

During its June 26 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education, along with the administration, recognized and thanked Chief Financial Officer Ed Hoster (pictured above) for 10 years of dedicated service to the district. He was presented with a personalized glass sculpture created by former Willowbrook Art Department Head Bob Fritz. 

Hoster joined the District 88 family in May 2013 and retired on June 30. Ryan Domeracki, current District 88 Assistant Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Hoster.

To watch the presentation, click on the video above. Read more about Hoster below.

Hoster’s impact was palpable from the beginning, and he quickly established himself as a tireless and meticulous steward of the district’s resources. Hoster makes financial decisions through a lens of equity, keeping the needs of students at the forefront, while also prioritizing a high level of customer service to the district’s stakeholders. 

Hoster began his career in 1989 at District 230 as Assistant to the Comptroller and then gained a wealth of experience as Business Manager at Argo Community High School District 217, Assistant Superintendent for Business/Treasurer at Hinsdale Township High School District 86 and Coordinator of Business Services at Glenbard Township High School District 87. Hoster earned his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Illinois State University and his master’s degree in school business management from Northern Illinois University. 

Hoster’s passion for public education and his dedication to being fair and responsible to taxpayers – as well as to the district’s students, staff and families – is always apparent. He is laser focused on ensuring all decisions made are student-centered and in the best interest of the pupils. 

Highlights from Hoster’s time with District 88 include:

• highly transparent fiscal management
  
  
• steadfast commitment to providing food for our students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
  
  
• upgrades to the district’s foodservice quality
  
  
• implementing “check your check” day sessions
  
  
• helping to make sure students had internet access throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring each child had a Chromebook
  
  
• many facility updates, including the security vestibule at Willowbrook; the concession stand at Willowbrook; the tennis courts at Willowbrook; air-conditioning in the CTE wings at Addison Trail and Willowbrook; developing a new culinary arts space at Addison Trail; expanding and renovating the Transition Program space at the District 88 Office; adding more handicap and visitor parking at Addison Trail; and upgrading the auditoriums at Addison Trail and Willowbrook
  
  
• helping the district maintain a financial rating of Aa1 from Moody’s and the highest level of Recognition for the financial rating from the Illinois State Board of Education

But what sets Hoster apart is more than his talent – it’s his heart. Hoster leads with a calm demeanor and values the efforts and input of each employee. His welcoming nature and people-centered personality have gained him the respect and trust of his colleagues, his staff and the Board of Education – not only within District 88, but throughout the school business management profession in Illinois as well. He is a leader among leaders, providing support to his colleagues in the field through the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (ASBO). Hoster was even named as a 2021 recipient of the Illinois ASBO Monarch Award, which is one of the highest honors the organization bestows upon its members. The award isn’t just a measure of extraordinary deeds or a lengthy career – it’s a recognition of those school business officials who, throughout their career and lifetime, have demonstrated excellence in service to their school district, communities and profession.

In retirement, Hoster plans to do more traveling and find a new balance. District 88 is incredibly grateful for Hoster’s tremendous passion and contributions and wishes him all the best in the future.