Public school ‘advocate and supporter’ selected to fill vacancy on District 128 board

The newest Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 school board member will be making a return to public office.

At a special meeting Wednesday, Vernon Hills resident Julie Simpson unanimously was selected by the District 128 board to fill a vacancy created by the recent resignation of Lisa Hessel.

There were 22 applicants for the seat and the field was narrowed to six finalists. Simpson will serve the remainder of Hessel's term that ends in April 2027.

“I'm grateful for the opportunity in such a crowded field,” she said. “I'm sure it was a tough decision.”

In 2017, Simpson was elected to a four-year term on the Hawthorn Elementary District 73 school board but left that position after being elected in 2018 to a four-year term on the Lake County Board.

Simpson chose not to run for reelection in 2022 as she would have faced another incumbent when the districts were redrawn per state law following the decennial census.

She was among four candidates who ran unopposed for four seats on the District 73 board in 2023 but resigned for personal reasons and was not sworn in.

Simpson is a parent of a current and future Vernon Hills High School student and “a big public school advocate and supporter.”

“I grew up in the area and chose to move to move to Vernon Hills because I believe the education children receive is outstanding” at districts 73 and 128, she said.

Board President Jim Batson said Simpson brings “valuable leadership experience and a strong commitment to our community.”

County board members also serve as forest preserve commissioners. During her tenure, Simpson was elected by peers as forest preserves vice president.

In October 2024, Simpson was among those completing training to become a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate working with CASA Lake County to advocate and support children who have endured abuse or neglect.

Simpson works at Lakeside Transportation. She'll take the oath of office before Monday’s board committee meetings at Libertyville High School.