Dist. 13 board member steps down

Bloomingdale School District 13's longest-serving board member is stepping down after nearly 18 years of public service.

Mary Ellen Johnson resigned from her seat this week with a year and a half remaining in her 4-year term.

She steps down with no hard feelings or unfinished business.

"It's just time," she said.

Johnson was appointed to the District 13 board in 1990 and was elected to a 2-year seat in 1991. Starting in 1993, she was elected to a string of 4-year terms that ended Monday.

"While I was thinking about this, I realized that I've been on the board for about the same amount of time it took me to get from kindergarten through college," said Johnson, who served as board president from 1997 to 2002. "That's really something."

Johnson said she was proud of the many things the district accomplished, including the construction of Erickson School, cooperation with the park district to build an addition at Westfield Middle School and the hiring of Superintendent Kim Perkins.

"Each and every one of those changes brought more enthusiasm and excitement, which helped keep my energy level high for the district," she said.

Longtime board member Donald Litchfield said none of Johnson's colleagues ever had to worry about her energy level or commitment to the children of the district.

"I'm going to miss her a lot, because I learned to rely on her for a lot of insight," Litchfield said. "But after almost 18 years, she has certainly earned the right to say 'I'm finished.'"

With her newly found free time, Johnson, who also serves as the editor of the Bloomingdale Almanac and executive secretary to Bloomingdale Mayor Bob Iden and the village board, intends to increase her role on the village's historical society and spend more time with her family.

The district now is seeking qualified candidates who must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a registered voter, and a district resident for a minimum of one year.

To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to the board secretary in care of Mrs. Kathy Ogden, 164 S. Euclid Ave., Bloomingdale, IL, 60108. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15.