Two Dist. 128 board vets won't run again

The Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board's two most-senior members aren't seeking re-election this year.

Board President Anne Landgraf and former president Jan Foreman will step down when their terms end in the spring, Landgraf confirmed Friday.

Landgraf has served on the board for 10 years and was president for the past four. Foreman has been on the board for eight years and preceded Landgraf as president, serving as leader from 2003 to 2005.

Landgraf said she's stepping down from the board primarily because her husband, John, is preparing to retire in a year or two.

"It's been a great experience," said Landgraf, of Libertyville.

Foreman, also of Libertyville, could not be reached for comment.

Four seats on the District 128 board will be decided April 7. All carry 4-year terms.

Incumbents Pat Groody and Ellen Mauer, both of Libertyville, are seeking re-election. Also running are Ann E. Oakley, a Libertyville resident who serves on the Cook Memorial Public Library District board, and Libertyville resident Karin C. Lundstedt.

Monday is the deadline for other potential candidates to file nominating petitions to appear on the ballot.

The district includes parts of Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Indian Creek, Mettawa, Green Oaks and Waukegan.

As president, Landgraf oversaw a period of cooperation and compromise on a board that previously had been regularly marred by infighting and battles with the public.

"It's nice leaving on a high note," she said. "The board gets along very well. We're a contemplative group and we ask a lot of questions, but we come to consensus in the end."

Fellow board member Judy Sugarman praised Landgraf and Foreman for their service to the district on the board and beforehand. Both, she said, were active in the movement that led to Vernon Hills High being constructed in the late 1990s.

"They are such key parts of where we are today," Sugarman said.