Applicants Sought For Lake Forest School District 67 Board

LAKE FOREST, IL — Following the resignation of Lake Forest School District 67 Board President Justin Engelland on Monday, the board is looking for a resident interested in succeeding him.

"It is our goal to have an open and inclusive selection process. We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to apply," said Suzanne Sands, who has succeeded Engelland as board president.

In a message to the community earlier this month, Engelland said he had taken a new job that includes more international travel, so he would not be able to devote the needed time and energy to the board.

Engelland, who was elected in April 2019, said his time on the board had been incredibly rewarding and provided him an appreciation of how much the Lake Forest community cares for its children and schools.

"This was a hard decision for me. It has been a privilege to serve the community that I love, especially during a uniquely challenging time in our history," Engelland said. "Together, we weathered a global pandemic, negotiated a new, five-year contract that is good for both teachers and taxpayers, recruited and welcomed a new Superintendent, improved the effectiveness of our shared services model, worked to improve the quality and transparency of communications, and — most importantly — enhanced academic and social-emotional curriculum for our students."

Under state law, the board has until 60 days from Monday — Aug. 26 — to vote to appoint someone to serve out the rest of Engelland's term, which ends in April 2023. Otherwise, the regional superintendent of schools picks a new board member.

"We are hoping to find a person whose talents, interests, and experience will add to and complement those of the existing District 67 Board members," Sands said Monday in a message to the community.

To qualify to serve on a school board, residents must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, registered to vote and a resident of the district for at least a year. They also must not be a child sex offender, convicted of an infamous crime or employed by the district or a district contractor.

Hopeful board members may submit an application online with details about their background, qualifications, community involvement and an explanation of why they wish to serve on the board.

Applications are due at 5 p.m. July 8, according to the board president. Once they are reviewed by the board, the board will interview selected applicants in August with the intention of announcing the new member at the boards Aug. 23 meeting.

"Since only one person can be selected," Sands said, "we hope the process outlined above will give the Board a list of qualified prospects for future community involvement in school initiatives and committees."