District 88 mourns longtime school board member
DuPage High School District 88 is mourning the death of longtime school board member and former board president Mark Johnson.
Johnson, 66, who was diagnosed with bone cancer in the spring, died Saturday with his family by his side, according to a statement released Monday by the district.
"Mark truly represents all that District 88 stands for - building futures for students and working for the continuous improvement of student achievement," Superintendent Scott Helton said. "He was part of this district in so many ways."
Johnson, who lived in Villa Park, served on the school board since 1999 and was president from 2003 to 2011. The 1966 graduate of Willowbrook High School received the school's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. His four children also graduated from the Villa Park high school.
"He was dedicated to guiding this district in a positive direction in the best interest of students," Helton said.
Johnson, who was a retired Villa Park deputy police chief, served on the District 45 Foundation, the Villa Park Kiwanis Club and Tri-Town YMCA board. He also was a council member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Villa Park and a PADS volunteer.
In addition, Johnson and his wife, Phyllis, were supporters of District 88's fine arts program, officials said.
District 88 officials said Johnson could be counted on to make the tough decisions "to ensure a high-quality educational experience for the students" of the district, which also includes Addison Trail High School.
According to the district statement, Johnson often said he enjoyed shaking hands with students on graduation day and "seeing the successes and dedication of students who receive the District 88's Best award and working with a faculty and staff who have demonstrated themselves to be among the best in the area."
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Steuerle Funeral Home in Villa Park. The funeral is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Villa Park, followed by a funeral procession to Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery in Oakbrook Terrace.