District 15 school board member steps down

Palatine Township Elementary District 15 board member Lisa Beth Szczupaj announced Tuesday she is stepping down after nine years, eight as board president.

Szczupaj, who won reelection in 2025, said the decision did not come easily.

“It is not driven by dissatisfaction, but rather by evolving professional responsibilities and increasing family commitments that require more of my time and attention,” she said.

Szczupaj said she is no longer able to meet the demands of a position requiring a high level of focus, energy and thoughtful engagement.

During her tenure, Szczupaj, who has worked many years in the resinous flooring industry and is national account manager with Sika USA, served as president when the district implemented its “Moving 15 Forward” plan.

The plan, backed by a successful $93 million referendum in 2022, upgraded facilities, implemented full-day kindergarten, adjusted school boundaries. Junior highs were also converted to middle schools.

“Lisa’s impact on the board will be felt for years to come,” school board President Samantha Bray Ader said. “Our district was so lucky to have her vision and commitment, and she remains a model for all of us in what effective board leadership looks like.”

The school board is accepting applications to appoint a new member to serve the remainder of the current four-year term, which ends in 2029. An online application is available on the district’s website. Interested residents should complete the application by July 12.

Selected candidates will be invited to in-person interviews during the week of July 20.

The new board member is expected to be seated at the Aug. 5 meeting.