Butler District 53 seeking new school board member

School board members in Oak Brook's Butler Elementary District 53 are seeking applicants to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Cabin Kim, who stepped down May 16 because his family is moving.

The individual appointed to fill the vacancy, which Illinois law requires be filled within 45 days of the effective resignation date, will serve until after the April 2, 2019, election, when the board installs newly elected board members.

Applicants are asked to submit a form, a cover letter and a brief resume via email, U.S. mail, or by hand to the district office, 2801 York Road, Oak Brook, by 4 p.m. Monday, June 4. The board will invite selected candidates for a confidential interview at a special closed session of the board in June, with a successor to be announced afterward.

The new school board member must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old, a resident of District 53 for at least a year preceding board membership, and a registered voter. Board members are subject to financial conflict of interest prohibitions as set forth by state law.

Kim, a certified public accountant in practice with his own firm, was elected to a two-year term in April 2017. He is the father of two children who attend Brook Forest School.

During his year on the board, the district adopted a comprehensive strategic plan, continued its work to repair and upgrade facilities, and was honored as among the top achieving school districts in the state based on test scores and learning environment.

"Mr. Kim brought a wealth of input to the board from both his personal experiences as a parent of two young students as well as his financial expertise," board President Elizabeth Chun said. "His calm demeanor and thoughtful comments were appreciated and he will be missed."

"As a father, I have seen my children grow from their incredible experiences in Butler School District 53," Kim said. "I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve this special community through my service on the board of education."

To learn about qualifications and characteristics of a school board member, visit the Illinois Association of School Boards' website at iasb.com/pdf/qandc.pdf.