Former president of District 59 board 'provided dynamic leadership'

A former president of the Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 school board, who served four terms and provided leadership during uncertain times, has died.

Mary Krigas served the district - which takes in parts of Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village and Mount Prospect - from 1984 to 1995. As a former middle school teacher with a master's degree in library science, Krigas began as a volunteer and eventually stepped up to take a bigger role with the district.

She passed away March 1 after a short illness. Krigas was 71.

One of Krigas' biggest fans was James Fay, former superintendent of District 59, who worked closely with her on the board.

"During her terms as board president, she provided dynamic and insightful leadership," said Fay, of Arlington Heights. "The children, teachers, parents and staff all benefited as a result of her service to the district. Her contributions were many and very significant."

Beyond her public service, colleagues describe Krigas as a lifelong learner, who was passionate about education.

She earned her undergraduate degree in education from Michigan State University, where she met her future husband, Tom. The couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Her career started as a middle school English teacher and she later served as an adjunct English teacher at Harper College, all while pursuing master's degrees in English and library science.

Her years on the District 59 board were somewhat tumultuous, with members facing the difficult task of having to close schools with declining enrollment, only to see enrollment increase by 100 students per year during the second half of her tenure.

"Mary was very much the left-leaning member," said Alva Kreutzer, who served with her on the board for a time and who now is currently on the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 board. "Mary certainly knew her stuff. I remember Mary as being inquisitive, prepared, and ready to argue her position."

As board president, Krigas embraced technology in the schools and supported more bilingual programs at district schools.

"From all that I have learned, Mrs. Krigas was a very dedicated school board member," said Thomas Luedloff, assistant superintendent for human resources and instruction.

Besides her husband, Krigas is survived by her children Jason (Amy), Steven (Elizabeth) and daughter Lauren Kelleher, as well as four grandchildren.

Services have been held.