Professional Voice Actor Jenny Lupa Appointed To District 113 School Board

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Township High School District 113 board appointed its newest member Tuesday night, picking an actor to replace the attorney who resigned last month.

Jenny Lupa was picked from among six applicants by the board of the two-school district to sit, for at least the next year, in the seat vacated by fellow Highland Park resident Dan Struck, according to District 113 representatives.

“After interviewing all of the applicants who were interested in filling this vacancy, it became clear that Jenny is the right person at this pivotal time in District 113,” Board President Anne Neumann said in a statement following the meeting.

Lupa has previously worked as a professional actor in Chicago, Detroit and New York, according to district staff. She now works as a voice actor who has credits reading audiobooks as well as commercial voiceover projects.

District representatives said Lupa has extensive experience on different boards. She previously oversaw finance and curriculum committees for Hampstead Parochial School and the Parish Church of St. John-at-Hampstead in London. And she is currently on the board of the Youth Chorus of the North Shore, an organization focused on childhood development through music appreciation and vocal performance.

---

“Her previous experience serving in several capacities on multiple boards, particularly those related to education, demonstrates her deep commitment to students and staff," Neumann said.

"With that experience, Jenny brings a solid understanding of board governance, which will help the rest of the D113 Board as we prepare for a transition in leadership and our continued work to achieve the District’s goals,” she added.

Starting this summer, former Lake Forest High School and Evanston Township High School administrator Chala Holland is set to succeed District 113 Superintendent Bruce Law, who announced plans to retire after five years with the district.

“I am honored to serve on the District 113 Board of Education and give back to the community,” Lupa said after the meeting.

“There is so much unseen effort that goes into educating our children. I want to ensure that District 113 is known not just for educational excellence but also for inclusivity and compassion," Lupa said.

"It is so important that everyone from teachers and staff to administrators and volunteers have the support they need," she continued. "We all have our roles to play in helping each student achieve their unique potential.”

Lupa has previously been picked for the summer residency program at Steppenwolf Theatre's school. And in her spare time, she enjoys playing guitar and piano, singing and reading, according to district representatives.

In addition to Lupa's, three other seats on the board will be on the ballot in the April 2025 consolidated municipal elections. They are currently held by Vice President Jaime Barraza, Secretary Jodi Shapira and board member Rick Heineman.

Struck, who chairs the insurance practice at a Texas-based law firm, submitted his resignation on Feb. 7, a day after parents of an on-leave drama teacher accused him of slandering their daughter and demanded an apology for a district-wide missive Struck sent out on Dec. 14. He told Patch he felt he could no longer serve effectively or in good conscience.

"My resignation was not requested by the Board and was not a response to anything that anyone said in public comment," Struck said. "I am proud of the work we did while I was on the Board and I know that we always worked to put students first in our deliberations and actions."

Related: District 113 Board President Resigns Amid Antisemitism Allegations Against Drama Teacher