District 54 expected to add former principal to school board
The Schaumburg Township District 54 school board is expected to choose retired teacher and principal Bob Kaplan to replace former board member Karen Strykowski, who resigned at the end of the school year.
Kaplan retired as principal of the district's Einstein School in Hanover Park six years ago. Before that assignment, he'd been assistant principal at the Muir Literacy Academy in Hoffman Estates, and for 28 years a math and social studies teacher at Addams Junior High in Schaumburg.
He's also a native of the school district, having grown up in Hoffman Estates and spent much of his adult life in Schaumburg.
"I'm one person in the community that doesn't need a GPS to find these schools," he said.
Board President Char Kegarise said Kaplan rose to the top of a strong field of 11 applicants due to his educational background and belief in keeping the district fiscally responsible.
"This is a man who's very passionate about District 54," Kegarise said. "He brings a completely different perspective."
Kegarise praised the depth of the applicant field from which the board had to choose.
"It would not be a bad day for District 54 if any of the 11 had been appointed," she said.
Kaplan said his parents had a strong belief in public education, and he has three sisters - Judy Brothman, Shari Chittenden and Gayle Gerson - who also taught in District 54. His two sons and daughter have also chosen to teach.
Kaplan said he intends to run for the board after Strykowski's term expires in the spring.
"I believe we have a good board," he said. "I didn't run previously because I thought they were doing what needed to be done."
Kaplan believes his experience as both a classroom teacher and building administrator can be of use to the school board.
The board will vote on Kaplan's appointment at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the district's administration building, 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.