District 54’s longest-serving board member ever to step down in January

Barbara Hengels, the longest-ever member of the Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 board of education, announced Thursday she would step down Jan. 7 after 28½ years.

Appointed to an interim term on June 4, 1997, Hengels went on to be elected eight times to retain the position she still holds.

The news inspired praise from all her fellow board members, who regard her as a mentor.

“I just have to say, Mrs. Hengels, thank you, thank you, thank you,” Board President Nick Scipione said. “It’s an amazing amount of time. When I joined the board you were so kind and warm and a great mentor, not only to me but to multiple people over those years and a stalwart for students.”

Such sentiments were shared — albeit more playfully — even by the next senior board member, Bill Harper.

“When you look up ‘perfect board member’ in the dictionary, Mrs. Hengels’ picture is there,” he said. “This district owes you everything, and thank you. We love you very much.”

“You joined the board just before my family came to Schaumburg,” Board Member Mary Kay Prusnick said. “We came here about six months later, and so your service was part of the totality of the Prusnicks’ education here in District 54 and that means the world to me.”

Hengels returned the sentiments.

“It’s been such a pleasure working here with people in the district, and all the colleagues I’ve had,” she said. “A wise man did say to know children by name and by need and that’s permeated the entire district. And our slogan of ensuring students’ success makes my heart happy. It’s just been a pleasure in so many different ways. Thank you all so much.”

District officials said once Hengels’ resignation takes effect, a replacement process begins for the remainder of her term that ends in the spring of 2027.