District 211 swears in three newly elected board members; Rosenblum named board president

Township High School District 211 accepted the Cook County Clerk's official canvas of the April 1, 2025 school board election, administered the oath of office to three newly elected trustees and selected its 2025 board officers during an organizational meeting.

The board accepted the Cook County Clerk's official canvas declaring Annie Lopez, Jane Russell and Kenneth Van Dyke duly elected; the acceptance was entered into the minutes. Doctor April Jordan, the North Cook Intermediate Service Center executive director serving as regional superintendent, administered the oath of office. "I, Annie Lopez, Jane Russell, and Kenneth Van Dyke, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of member of the Board of Education of Township High School District 2 11 in accordance with the Constitution of The United States, the Constitution of the state of Illinois, and the laws of the state of Illinois to the best of my ability," the oath read, and the new members responded, "I do."

Why it matters: the organizational meeting set the board's leadership and immediate operating direction for the coming year, including adoption of existing board policies to remain in effect until changed by the new board.

At nominations, Stephen Rosenblum was nominated and, as the only nominee, was declared elected board president by acclamation. Kimberly Cavill was declared vice president by acclamation, and Michelle Barron was declared secretary by acclamation. The board then adopted the policies of the preceding board to guide operations until amended by the new board.

Board business during the session included approval of the consent agenda and minutes of the regular March 2025 meeting. The minutes motion passed on roll call with the following responses: Michelle Barron, aye; Mister Bradley, abstain; Kimberly Cavill, aye; Mister Dombrowski, aye; Mister McGowan, abstain; Mister Rosenblum, aye; Missus Klimkiewicz, aye. The official canvas acceptance was moved and seconded and carried on roll call with all members present voting aye. The board also declared the existing board closed and adjourned the outgoing session "sine die" by voice vote.

The meeting also set administrative housekeeping items: members were asked to submit liaison interest sheets by May 7 for representation on the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) governing board and other liaison posts. The board recorded informational items including a scheduled EdRED legislative update, upcoming coalition and wellness events, and a potential Illinois Association of School Boards training topic for future consideration.

Board President Rosenblum thanked outgoing members and the community before adjourning the organizational meeting and moving into regular business.