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Longtime Trustee Hoda bids farewell to Oak Park Board after 15½ years
Summary
Trustee Hoda used her Dec. 9 remarks to announce this is her last meeting after more than 15 years of service, reflect on lessons about leadership and collective decision-making, and thank colleagues, staff and family; trustees responded with gratitude and recognition of her service.
Trustee Hoda told the Oak Park Board of Education on Dec. 9 that this was her final meeting after serving since July 2009. In prepared remarks she thanked family and district staff, highlighted three lessons from her tenure — the limits of individual board members' power, the responsibilities of leadership, and the need to question 'we've always done it this way' — and urged future board members to prioritize what’s best for the entire district.
Board members responded with appreciation. Trustee Smith and others thanked Hoda for mentorship and service; the president acknowledged her contributions and noted transitions among several departing trustees. Remarks emphasized institutional memory, the district’s administrative support, and the challenge of governance as public service.
Hoda said she will remain involved as a citizen and offered to support incoming trustees, including sharing institutional knowledge and contact information. The board recorded the thanks publicly; the meeting proceeded to routine business and adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
