Dist. 204 board president appointed to state board of education

Indian Prairie School District 204 is looking to fill a vacant seat on its school board following Tuesday’s resignation of its president, Curt Bradshaw, who has accepted an appointment to the Illinois State Board of Education.

During Bradshaw’s seven years on the board, the district’s ACT score grew by 1.4 points, the percent of residents grading the district “A” or “B” increased from 76 percent to 87 percent, and the district’s credit rating increased, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally, according to a district statement.

Bradshaw, a 27-year District 204 resident, accepted the new role on the state board of education Tuesday and, by doing so, was required to resign for his position on the District 204 board immediately.

He said he was asked by Gov. Pat Quinn to serve on the state board and did not seek out the new position.

Susan Rasmus, who was the District 204 board’s vice president, will take over as president.

“I’m really excited for Curt. This is a great opportunity for him,” she said. “That’s really a great accomplishment for our community and for him.”

Bradshaw’s term was set to expire in 2015, and the board will now have 45 days to fill the vacant seat.

“This all came about rather suddenly,” Rasmus said Tuesday night. “That means we are going to be looking for people to apply.”

Applicants must submit an application by noon Oct. 1 to be eligible.

Rasmus is excited to take over the role as board president and has served on the board since April 2009. She has been the president of the PTA and is employed as director of business development for Washington-based All for Kidz Inc.

“It’s a great opportunity,” she said. “We live in a very phenomenal district. It’s an honor to be able to serve on the board.”

Interested applicants in the vacant seat on the board should contact Kathy DeSantis at (630) 375-3010 for more information or visit the District 204 website, ipsdweb.ipsd.org.