Another longtime Elk Grove Twp. District 59 board member steps down
Another longtime Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 school board member has stepped down, leaving two open positions on the seven-member elected panel.
Karen Osmanski, a board member since 2013 and the board vice president since April 2019, announced this week she is stepping down, which follows the resignation last month of 15-year board member Sharon Roberts.
In a letter to the district, Osmanski said it is with a heavy heart that she submits her resignation, but promises to continue her support of and respect for the work of the district's educators.
"At this time my husband and family need me to be able to navigate an uncharted journey that lies ahead of us," Osmanski wrote. "In order to do this, my time, efforts and energy cannot be divided. I am so grateful to the many administrators and staff who I have had the pleasure to work with throughout my 40 plus years of service in District 59. This common passion for educating the youth of our communities has brought me so much joy."
Osmanski taught at three District 59 schools, and was principal of Rupley Elementary from 2001 until her retirement in 2011. In addition to serving on the school board, Osmanski has been highly involved with the District 59 Education Foundation, most recently serving as treasurer. She's also volunteered with the Community Character Coalition of Elk Grove.
Her resignation comes as the school board has been interviewing candidates in closed session to fill the vacancy from Roberts' Jan. 10 resignation.
Board President Janice Krinsky said the board will appoint two new members from the 11 who initially applied for the Roberts vacancy. New board members could be seated as soon as the next board meeting March 9.
Both would serve through the remainder of the respective terms, which expire in April 2021.