New District 200 board sworn in

There's a new face on the Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 board of education.

"I'm so excited," Chris Crabtree said shortly after she was sworn in during a special meeting Wednesday. "I'm really looking forward to the opportunity."

Crabtree, a former Wheaton Warrenville PTA Council president, will serve alongside newly re-elected incumbents Jim Vroman and Jim Gambaiani, who are both starting a second term.

Other members on the board who were not up for election this spring include Joann Coghill, Barbara Intihar, Jim Mathieson and Brad Paulsen. The reason three seats were open, however, is because longtime board member Rosemary Swanson stepped down.

"I know I should be feeling sad, and I do feel some sadness, but this morning was the PTA scholarship breakfast and there could not be a more perfect last day on the board," Swanson said, adding that it reminded her why she has loved being a board member. "Those great kids up there, and their future before them, and their education in District 200 preparing them for that, supported by the community - it just is one of those wonderful days."

Swanson expressed her appreciation to teachers, administrators, community members and her family, and received a standing ovation before the new board was sworn in.

One of the board's first actions was to select new officers. There was unanimous support to name Crabtree secretary and Brad Paulsen vice president.

The role of president went to Jim Vroman. He replaces Intihar, who has held the position since 2013.

"I'm really humbled and honored to serve as your president," he said, extending his thanks to the other board members, district staff members and Intihar for setting a good example. "You all have been a pleasure to work with the last two to four years and the devotion to this district is so very much appreciated."

The board then affirmed Robbins Schwartz and Franczek Radelt as the district's legal counsel, Legat Architects as the district's architectural representative and Miller Cooper as the district's audit firm.

In addition, members affirmed board policies and adopted the board of education meeting calendar for 2015-16.