2 New Board Members, 3 Incumbents Sworn In For District 202

Submitted by District 202

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Board of Education swore in two new members and three incumbents during a special reorganization meeting on Wednesday, April 30.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Glenn Wood praised the incoming board members for their willingness to take on this volunteer position.

“School board service demands countless late nights, extensive homework, and unwavering commitment—all without compensation. It's a true labor of love for our schools and our children's future,” Wood said.

“One of the strengths of District 202 is community commitment and our long-term board leadership,” he added, acknowledging Board President Rod Westfall, serving his seventh term.

Westfall will be the second longest-serving board member in district history when his term ends in 2029.

President Pro-Tem Elias Kalantzis administered the oath of office to:

• Westfall, incumbent
• Dr. Joshua Ruland, incumbent
• Barb Seiden, incumbent
• Greg Nichols, new
• Nora Dalton, new

Dalton was elected to fill an unexpired, two-year term, which ends in 2027. The others were elected to four-year terms, which end in 2029.

These members will join current members Kalantzis and Margarita Morelos, whose terms expire in 2027.

Board Secretary Toni Galan read the official election results:

• Seiden – 8,337 votes or 25.74 percent
• Westfall – 7,945 votes or 25.45 percent
• Nichols – 7,754 votes or 24.84 percent
• Ruland – 7,485 votes or 23.97 percent
• Dalton – 9,120 votes or 100 percent

The board also honored outgoing board members Dr. Kathy Baxter and Toni Galan. Neither ran for reelection.

The new board also chose new officers, including Westfall as president, Seiden as vice president, and Kalantzis as secretary.