New Dist. 214 board member is from Arlington Hts.

The Northwest Suburban High School District 214 school board has chosen Todd Younger of Arlington Heights, to fill the board seat left vacant by Lenore Gonzales Bragaw.

Younger, who will complete the two remaining years of Bragaw’s four-year term, said Tuesday he is looking forward to working with such an experienced board.

Bragaw resigned in June because she moved out of District 214.

Having graduated from John Hersey High School in 1982, Younger was once a District 214 student and now has a son attending Prospect High School and a daughter in middle school.

He has more than 20 years of experience in banking and is currently a vice president and senior commercial banker at First Midwest Bank.

Younger has coached soccer and baseball for the Arlington Heights Park District and serves on his local homeowners association.

“We believe his professional experience in commercial banking and his active community involvement will be an asset to this board,” said Board President James Perkins in a news release. “As an involved parent of two teenage children, he will also add valuable perspective and insight into the various programs that our schools are offering.”

Younger believes his banking experience will allow him to contribute, especially since tough financial times are forcing many school districts to make important decisions. In addition, Younger said having a child in the district will give him further perspective.

“As a parent, you have perspective on how much (children) have to work, how many activities pull them to and from, and how they manage,” Younger said. “It’s helpful in some ways to know what they are facing on a day-to-day basis.”

His seat will be up for election in April 2013.