Derek Patton sworn in to Lockport Township High School District 205 board

The Lockport Township High School District 205 board voted to appoint Derek Patton to an unexpired board seat and administered the oath of office during the meeting. The motion to appoint Patton was made by Mr. Theiss and seconded by Dr. Shaw and passed on a roll-call vote with all present voting yes.

Patton repeated the oath, saying, "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the officer or member of the board of education of Lockport Township High School 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." He also pledged to respect taxpayer interests and work with the superintendent to advance education for every student.

Superintendent Robert McBride presented Patton’s background, noting Patton is a Marine Corps veteran deployed to Iraq in 2003 and has a professional career in the construction industry. McBride said the district had included Patton’s biography in the meeting packet and that Patton’s experience would be helpful during the coming months on board work.

The meeting also included an introduction of Brian Amer, who McBride said the board previously approved on Jan. 6 as the district’s new director of facilities; Amer told trustees he will begin in the role July 1. McBride described Amer’s hiring process — multiple interviews and a screening panel — and recommended that board members expect to see him frequently as the district ramps up planned life-safety work.

No further action was required to administer the oath. The board continued with its agenda after the introduction and recognitions.