The School District 54 Board of Education is currently seeking applicants who are interested in filling a position caused by the resignation of Board Member Barbara Hengels. Mrs. Hengels announced her resignation, effective Jan. 7, 2026. She was first appointed to the District 54 School Board in 1997, and has been re-elected every four years since that time.
In keeping with the legal requirements that the Board appoint a successor within a 60-day period, the Board is now seeking applicants who are interested in being appointed. The person appointed would serve until the next consolidated general election on April 6, 2027.
Residents interested in applying to become a member of the District 54 Board of Education must complete the District 54 School Board Application, which will request you to upload your resume, by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22. Additionally, applicants selected to meet with the Board of Education must be able to interview the evening of Monday, February 9.
A candidate for an Illinois school board must be at least 18 years old, must have lived in the school district for at least one year, and must be a registered voter. Board service is a volunteer position with zero compensation.
For more information regarding board service please visit the Illinois Association of School Board’s website. Please also review District 54 Policy 2:20 – Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification.
Once applications have been received, the Board will determine which candidates to interview with the intent of appointing a new member during the regularly scheduled board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 19. Please direct all questions to Superintendent Andy DuRoss at (847) 357-5036 or [email protected].
