Area school boards have new faces following the consolidated election early this month. And re-organization is the focus moving forward. Failed referendums, for some, finds the school officials setting priorities to overcome financial struggles.
The Iroquois West School Board at Gilman also has a challenge in searching for its next superintendent. Linda Dvorak will retire at the end of this school session. Her planned retirement was announced this week when the Unit 10 met to re-organize.
"Dr. Dvorak has been a tireless supporter for the school district with a great work ethic," Board president David Haas said. "She has top integrity and has served the Board well."
Haase said Dr. Dvorak and the school board have protected the district taxpayer assets and school finances. She will be missed. She has planned this retirement for some time."
A search committee for a new Sup’t is in place.
David Haase will serve Unit 10 as president. Re-elected member Rodger Bennett is V-P and Anthony Miller, Secretary. Norma Claussen, Clint Perzee, Amy Schunke and Adam Vice make up the board. Perzee, Schunke and Vice are elected newcomers.
In Watseka Unit Nine – Sarah Combes and Rebecca Wittenborn were newcomers seated this week. They were winners in the April 2 election. They join board members James Bruns, Brittany Cluver, Gina Greene, Kirk McTaggart and Rusty Maulding.
Bruns served Unit Nine as president, Cluver is V-P and Greene was elected secretary.
Crescent-Iroquois District 249 meets to reorganize next Thursday (4/25). Sup’t Dr. Jeffrey Alstadt has said the school board, staff and community will continue to focus on providing the best educational opportunities.
The school board states, ‘we believe our school is excellent, and our employees are committed to supporting students. The consolidation process evoked strong reactions that have been disruptive and unsettling to students, parents, community members and school staff. The focus now, is to come together because we all deserve the best opportunities that can be provided.
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