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Naperville CUSD 203 swears in four board members; Charles Cush elected president, Christine Gerke named vice president
Summary
At its May 5 meeting, Naperville Community Unit School District 203 seated four elected members, administered the oath of office and elected Charles Cush as board president and Christine Gerke as vice president in the board’s reorganization.
Naperville Community Unit School District 203 on May 5 administered the oath of office to four newly elected or re‑elected trustees and selected its 2025–26 leadership, electing Charles Cush board president and Christine Gerke vice president.
The board convened the second half of the meeting to seat Holly Blastick, Charles Cush, Amanda McMillan and Mark Wilinski. Mrs. Patton, the board secretary, administered the statutory oath of office. The oath referenced compliance with the U.S. and Illinois constitutions and obligations to the district and taxpayers.
The reorganization proceeded to the election of officers. Christine Gerke nominated Charles Cush for president; Cush received six votes with one abstention and was declared elected. Cush then chaired the process to elect a vice president and nominated Gerke; she received a majority of votes and was elected vice president.
The reorganization included brief remarks from the newly seated trustees. Mark Wilinski said, “I am just very grateful for the community and everyone who’s shown their support,” and Holly Blastick thanked supporters and family for campaign help.
Melissa Kelly Black made an alternative nomination for president, proposing Mark Wilinski during the nomination period and delivering a substantive statement that she said reflected stakeholder concerns about board responsiveness and transparency. Wilinski declined that nomination before the vote.
The board’s reorganization followed the procedure described in board policy 2104 and was conducted in open session with roll call votes. Superintendent Dan Bridges and administrative staff were present; Bridges and Mrs. Patton coordinated the oath and transition logistics.
Board members and administrators noted the transition marks the start of the new board year and several members expressed appreciation for outgoing trustees and for the community’s participation during the election cycle.
