COURTESY RIVERSIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT 96

Riverside, IL: November 15, 2013 has been designated as School Board Members Day in Illinois, and District 96 is joining other districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their commitment and contributions to our public schools.

“School board members serve their communities without monetary compensation to make public education the best it can be for every child,” said Dr. Sharma-Lewis, District 96 superintendent. “Their policies and oversight guide the district as tough decisions are made on complex educational and social issues that affect the entire community and the lives of individual students.”

As community trustees for the schools, school board members have oversight in District 96 for an annual operating budget of approximately $24M; 1,659 students in grades Pre-K to 8th grade; more than 235 employees; and 5 buildings.

“Each year, the demands become greater for school board members to help lead our community’s schools as they prepare students to be productive citizens and the leaders in a new 21st century global economy. Without the efforts of school board members, local citizens would have less input into the way schools operate today. This is an excellent example of grassroots democracy and governance,” Dr. Sharma-Lewis said.

We want to take this opportunity to honor school board members in District 96.

“The least that our community can do is to say “thank you” to these volunteers for lending their hands,” Dr. Sharma-Lewis said. “Their service ensures that decisions about local public schools are made locally by those most familiar with the needs of our community.”

The men and women serving District 96 are:

Mary Rose Mangia, President, Elected April, 2013; Term expires April, 2017

Rachel Marrello, Vice-President Elected April, 2013; Term expires April, 2017

Randy Brockway, Member Elected April, 2013; Term expires April, 2017

Lisa Gaynor, Member Elected April, 2013; Term expires April, 2017

David Kodama, Member Elected April 2011; Term expires April 2015

Michael O’Brien, Member Elected April 2011; Term expires April 2015

Arthur Perry, Member Elected April 2011; Term expires April 2015