Town Leaders Back Lyons Township High Board Hopeful

LA GRANGE, IL – The leaders of Burr Ridge, Indian Head Park, Countryside and Willow Springs have endorsed Lyons Township High School board candidate Arlene Cabana.

Cabana, former president of the Pleasantdale School District 107 board, released statements from the leaders Monday afternoon. She is facing incumbent Gioia Giannotti Frye and candidates Chris Kozelka Campbell, Shawn Kennedy and Elias Lopez. Four seats are up in the April 1 election.

In early 2023, Cabana, then-Pleasantdale president, spoke out against the high school board's effort to sell the school's 70 acres in Willow Springs to an industrial developer. Pleasantdale has an elementary school next to the land, with Cabana and others asserting industrial development was a bad land use next to a school.

The board kept the industrial plan secret from the public for much of a year, breaking the state's open meetings law in the process.

The four leaders represent towns that adopted resolutions opposing the sale of the land to industry.

"Arlene Cabana has a passion for public service and a proven track record of getting things done for her community," Mayor Gary Grasso and the Village Board said in a statement. "Whether as president of the Pleasantdale District 107 School Board or through her leadership of the Lyons Township High School PTC (Parent Teacher Council), Arlene always prioritized student success both in and out of the classroom. She will work tirelessly to make sure every voice is heard, every student has what they need to excel and the district has the resources necessary to fulfill its mission."

The Village Board members are Guy Franzese, Tony Schiappa, Al Paveza, Anita Mital, Joe Snyder and Russell Smith

Willow Springs Village President Melissa Neddermeyer said Cabana brings "a wealth of experience and a proven record of dedicated service to our schools."

"Her commitment to educational excellence and her ability to collaborate effectively make her an outstanding candidate," Neddermeyer said. "I am confident that Arlene will continue to advocate for our students, teachers, and families, ensuring that our district thrives."

Said Indian Head Park Village President Amy Jo Wittenberg, "Arlene is committed to supporting open and transparent governance, ensuring that decisions are made with community input and clear communication. She will prioritize board goals that focus on student achievement monitoring and metrics, working to ensure that all students, at all levels, receive the resources and support they need to succeed."

Countryside Mayor Sean McDermott said Cabana has a proven track record of leadership and integrity.

"Arlene is the right choice for the LT School Board and I encourage all residents to support her in this important election," he said. "Together, we can ensure our high school continues to thrive for generations to come."

In a message to Patch, Cabana said she worked especially closely with area municipal leaders when the high school land issue came up in 2023. She said she updated them and got their support to oppose industrial development next to a school.

Cabana also said District 107's board president, Tarryne Marchione, and members Mary Lenzen, Charles Zona and Bill Brockob have endorsed her candidacy in their individual capacities.