Four Newcomers Join D230 Board

Four new board members will be joining D230 following Tuesday’s election.

As of Wednesday morning, all 119 precincts are showing vote totals that place Melissa Gracias, Tony Serratore, Susan A. Dalton and Kathleen Murphy-Peterson as the new members on the Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education.

“I want to learn as much as I can as quickly as possible to get up to speed, and I want to focus on bringing up the district’s ACT scores,” said Dalton. “I want to provide more support mechanisms for students, and continue to make the district safe for students.”

Serratore said he is proud of the 230 United trio’s efforts, and will be focused on the new extended school days plan and finances after he is installed.

“I don’t want to throw the burden on tax payers, and I don’t want to take things away from kids,” he said.

Gracias said she is honored to serve on the board.

View Patch’s Orland Park Election Results table for a rundown of the votes.

 Anthony Catalano said it was a great experience to have all the support garnered, and that he plans to stay active in the community.

“I’ll continue to attend the meetings, ask tough questions and keep the board accountable,” Catalano said. “Showing that the younger generations have a vested in the future is important to me.”

In September 2012, the district board and administrators faced a gymnasium full of concerned residents in regard to a redistricting plan to balance out student populations at Carl Sandburg, Victor J. Andrew and Amos Alonzo Stagg high schools.

Three of the newly elected trustees shared their thoughts on the redistricting plans earlier in our Patch election questionnaire.

Melissa Gracias

I don't think redistributing is a bad option. If you have multiple schools and one is loosing enrollment while the others are becoming over crowded, the best alternative for the student and staff is to try to strike a balance within the district. This is better for the students and staff. Alternatively, you could "borrow" staff or teachers from the school with less and place them into the school w the larger enrollment. Why loose a vetted teacher with a proven teaching record, when a sister school needs one? Plus, overcrowded classrooms make for difficult learning environment. Yes, I would definitely consider this option.

Tony Serratore

While I understand that parents may have a preference in the school that their child attends it is important that they understand that all three of our high school are quality schools and all are highly ranked educationally in the state.  The issue of redistricting is about ensuring that all three of our schools are able to continue to offer the same educational and extra-curricular activities that are currently available to the students. Current enrollment projections show a sharp decline in the Andrew enrollment. This decline will require significant cuts in programs due to the lack of student participants. In addition, the cost per student at Andrew will significantly increase as many of the fixed costs will remain the same while the student population decreases. Redistricting will enable Andrew to continue to maintain its current program offerings and help relieve some of the over-crowding at Sandburg.

Susan Dalton

I feel the current board made a thoughtful and logical decision on the redistricting issue. Changes like these are always difficult for families, especially for the students immediately affected. However I feel the board gave them the opportunity to make the best choice within their circumstances. We are a consolidated high school district, so at times changes may be necessary in order to ensure that all three schools are running at healthy levels.

Return to our results page for other election outcomes.

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