The following statement was read by Board President, Tony Mares, during the October 17, 2022, regular Board of Education meeting:
"Upon his passing, Mr. Zimmers’ seat was vacated. Pursuant to the requirements of the Illinois School Code, Superintendent Gill's office notified the Regional Superintendent's Office of the vacancy in writing. The Board will select a temporary Board Member to serve as representative of Sub-district 4 until April 2023, which is the end of the term. Under the School Code, the selection process is time-sensitive, and the Board will move swiftly to name an interim member.
To be appointed to fill a School Board vacancy, a person must have the same qualifications as the person they are appointed to replace. On the date of the appointment, they must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of the State and the District for at least one (1) year preceding appointment, a registered voter, not a school trustee or school treasurer and shall not be a child sex offender. The successor board member must be an inhabitant of the particular area from which their predecessor was elected (Sub-district 4).
The Board invites any qualified resident of Sub-district 4* who is interested in serving to write to Julie Hammers, Board Secretary, 1900 W. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62704, and provide (1) your contact information; (2) a short statement of the reason(s) why you would like to serve on the Board; and (3) a resume outlining any qualifications you feel you have to be a Board Member. All nominations are due by November 1, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.
If the Board decides to conduct interviews, applicants will be notified. Any interviews shall take place on November 7, 2022, during the Board meeting’s executive session. The Board expects to announce and seat the interim member at the end of the Board meeting on November 7, 2022."
Qualified residents of Sub-District 4 interested in applying for the opening are encouraged to apply online through this form.
*Please note that applicants must reside within Sub-District 4 as defined by the 2012 Reapportionment Plan, here. While a new Reapportionment Plan was approved on April 18, 2022, this vacancy is to fill the seat elected in 2021. As such, applicants must reside within the Sub-District 4 boundaries that were in place in 2021.