D129 To Fill Board Seat Vacated By Thomas St. Jules

AURORA, IL — The West Aurora School District 129 Board of Education plans to appoint a new board member at its May 5 meeting to fill the vacancy created by Thomas St. Jules's resignation.

Thomas St. Jules, who was first elected in 2019, stepped down after being appointed as an associate judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit, the district said.

"My time as a member of the West Aurora School District 129 Board of Education has been one of the most rewarding endeavors of my life, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served with such dedicated people," St. Jules wrote in his resignation letter, per a news release from the district.

The person chosen to fill St. Jules's seat will serve the remainder of the unexpired term, ending May 2027.

District officials said the Board received "a high number of applications, reflecting strong community interest and a well-qualified group of candidates." As part of the process, each applicant was asked to complete a questionnaire stating their interest in the role, relevant experience and ability to fulfill the responsibilities.

Five candidates advanced to the interview stage, and one person emerged as the Board's recommended candidate. The person will be formally presented for a vote at the May 5 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at the district administration center, 1877 W. Downer Place.