District 118 board to honor former member Thomas A. Weber Sr.
The Wauconda Unit District 118 school board will posthumously honor former member Thomas A. Weber Sr. this week.
Weber, 65, of Wauconda, suffered a fatal stroke in May.
At Thursday's school board meeting, the panel will formally recognize Weber's 19 years on the board. Officials will give his widow, Bonnie, a plaque featuring a gavel to commemorate the years he spent as the board's president.
Classes at District 118 schools started last week, and the annual launch wasn't the same without Weber, Superintendent Daniel Coles said.
"Tom could often be seen prior to the new school year walking the halls and greeting staff," Coles said in an email. "He always would share with staff how nice their classrooms looked and how lucky our kids were to have such great teachers."
Weber's tenure on the board began in 1995 and included stints as president and secretary. He last won election in 2013.
His public service extended far beyond the school board.
Weber volunteered with the Wauconda Booster Club, the Wauconda Fest Committee and other groups. He worked as a security guard at Mundelein High School, too.
He also owned a business in town, the Nut and Candy House.
Wauconda village board member John Barbini was the District 118 superintendent during Weber's early years on the school board, and they became friends over time.
"Tom impressed me from the start in his understanding of the role of a school board member and the goals of this school system," Barbini said in an email. "I came to respect his perspective on issues and his advice."
Barbini praised Weber's dedication to the community.
"He epitomized all that was good about public service," Barbini said. "He gave selflessly of his time in so many ways that benefited others."
Thursday's school board meeting is set for 7 p.m. at Wauconda High School, 555 N. Main St.