District 88 recognizes Board of Education members in honor of School Board Members Day

According to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Nov. 15 has been designated as School Board Members Day in Illinois, and District 88 is joining other districts throughout the state to thank these community volunteers for their commitment and contributions to public schools.

“School Board Members serve their communities without monetary compensation to make public education the best it can be for every child,” said District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton. “Their policies and oversight guide the district as tough decisions are made on complex educational and social issues that affect the entire community and the lives of individual students. Each year, the demands become greater for School Board Members to help lead our community’s schools as they prepare students to be productive citizens and leaders in a new 21st-century global economy."

The District 88 Board of Education is comprised of President Donna Craft Cain, Vice President Jay Irvin, Secretary Sharon Kucik and Members Thomas Edmier, Tim Gillen, Mark Johnson and Lisa Lullo. 

Meet the District 88 Board of Education

Donna Craft Cain, President
What made you decide to serve as a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I applied for a vacancy on the board because I wanted to get more involved and active in the district and in the community.

How many years have you been a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I've been on the board since 2004.

What is your tie to District 88?
I graduated from Willowbrook in 1981, and my kids all attended District 88.

What is the most challenging part of being a Board member?
The most challenging part is having to make tough decisions in tough times, but knowing they're the best decisions for the district and the education of our students, as well as for the taxpayers.

What is the most rewarding part of being a Board member?
The most rewarding part is seeing what our kids and staff accomplish. We have a great community that's incredibly supportive, and that's a hallmark of District 88.

Jay Irvin, Vice President
What made you decide to serve as a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I was asked to consider running for the Board while my children attended District 88 and did not want to do it then. I reconsidered after attending early committee meetings on the district Building The Future project.

How many years have you been a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I have been on the board since 2005.

What is your tie to District 88?
I am a lifetime resident of District 88. My wife, children and I, as well as my brother, sister and nieces, have all attended District 88 schools.

What is the most challenging part of being a Board member?
The most challenging part is maintaining a safe, up-to-date and challenging learning environment while dealing with significant demographic, economic and funding changes and challenges.

What is the most rewarding part of being a Board member?
The most rewarding part is celebrating our successes, seeing our schools accomplish what others thought to be impossible and knowing the learning model we provide to our students is one others emulate.

Sharon Kucik, Secretary
What made you decide to serve as a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I was approached by former Superintendent Dr. Steve Humphrey after helping with the Building The Future passage to consider running for the school board. Since I was very active in District 45 as my children attended school, it seemed a natural progression.
How many years have you been a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I have been on the board since 2007.

What is your tie to District 88?
My three children (Christa – class of 2008, Kyle – class of 2011 and Jeremy – class of 2013) all graduated from Willowbrook.

What is the most challenging part of being a Board member?
1) Trying to keep all the programs in place that have made our students successful with less funding.

2) Keeping up with the changing technology that we know will make our students succeed after graduation.

What is the most rewarding part of being a Board member?
Seeing all the accomplishments our students bring to our two schools – whether it is through our academics, athletics or other programs and clubs.

Thomas Edmier, Member
What made you decide to serve as a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I want to ensure the children receive the best education possible in the finest facilities available. I felt my construction background would be an asset for the Building The Future project and I could be a good listener and a strong voice for the community's concerns and ideas that would lead to high educational expectations for all District 88’s children.

How many years have you been a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I have been on the board since 2009.

What is your tie to District 88?
My wife and I graduated from Addison Trail, as did my two oldest children. My youngest child is at the junior high school right now.

What is the most challenging part of being a Board member?
Having to represent the community’s interests in these fiscally challenging times while trying to maintain the highest learning standards and environment for all the students.

What is the most rewarding part of being a Board member?
Being able to understand and witness firsthand the amazing accomplishments of the District 88 students and the dedication of the parents, administration and faculty in assisting those students in accomplishing their goals.

Tim Gillen, Member
What made you decide to serve as a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I wanted to help District 88 in any way I could, and I wanted to learn more about how the school board works.

How many years have you been a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I have been on the board since 2011.
What is your tie to District 88?
We have lived in District 88 since 1969. Both of our sons are graduates of Willowbrook – Tim Jr. in 1983, and Russell in 1984.

What is the most challenging part of being a Board member?
The most challenging part of being on the board is arranging my schedule to attend the many meetings and school events that take place.

What is the most rewarding part of being a Board member?
The most rewarding part is seeing District 88's Best students and all the athletic events and musical programs and working with the Superintendent and Principals, who are doing their best to help and train all the students. The students are receiving a quality education.

Mark Johnson, Member
What made you decide to serve as a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I had a strong interest in curriculum development and a wish to develop a stronger school system.

How many years have you been a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I am currently in my 15th year and was Board President for eight years.

What is your tie to District 88?
I graduated from Willowbrook in 1966, and all four of my children graduated from Willowbrook.

What is the most challenging part of being a Board member?
It changes every year. Perhaps that is what makes it a challenge. Each year we focus on providing the best opportunities possible for our students to achieve, but each year it seems new obstacles appear that impede our efforts. Each year we must work around the obstacles (i.e. finance, new program implementations, new data demands, personnel changes, state and federal mandates).

What is the most rewarding part of being a Board member?
1) Graduation day: Shaking hands with all the potential for the future that walks across the stage.

2) District 88’s Best: Seeing such brilliance and dedication.

3) Working with a faculty and staff that have demonstrated themselves to be among the best in the area and knowing their passion is focused entirely on the development of the student.

Lisa Lullo, Member
What made you decide to serve as a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
A good educational system is an essential element of a community. District 88 has always had a reputation of providing a quality learning experience in a safe and effective environment. My four children have benefited by receiving their education from the district. Serving as a board member enables me to ensure other children in our community also benefit.

How many years have you been a member of the District 88 Board of Education?
I have been on the board since 2011.

What is your tie to District 88?
I graduated from Addison Trail in 1984. I also have four children who graduated from Addison Trail – class of 2006, class of 2008, class of 2010 and class of 2011.

What is the most challenging part of being a Board member?
Events at each of the schools often overlap. If I attend an event at Addison Trail, I might miss an event at Willowbrook. I try to alternate if I can.

What is the most rewarding part of being a Board member?
To see what our students have been able to accomplish is the best reward. Every day I am proud of their successes.

On Nov. 15, signs throughout Addison, Lombard and Villa Park thanked the District 88 Board of Education members for all they do. Signs and messages were displayed by:

Addison:
Addison Trail, Links and Tees Golf Facility, Village of Addison, Addison School District 4, Green Meadows Shopping Center and Lutherbrook Academy

Lombard:
Village of Lombard

Villa Park:
Willowbrook, Walgreens on Roosevelt Road and Village of Villa Park