Former District 59 board member Krinsky appointed to Arlington Heights panel
Months after her narrow electoral defeat, former Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 school board President Janice Krinsky has received an appointment to an advisory Arlington Heights panel.
Krinsky, a school board member from 2011 to 2021, was appointed by Mayor Tom Hayes and confirmed by the village board as a member of the housing commission, which advises the board on affordable housing policies, makes federal Community Development Block Grant funding recommendations, and monitors village housing programs. Like the school board, the role is unpaid.
Krinsky, an Arlington Heights resident for 30 years, originally sought appointment to the village's environmental commission, but there were no openings. She and Hayes discussed vacancies available on other village panels and arrived at the housing commission.
Hayes said he made the appointment based on Krinsky's elected and volunteer experience and background in education and training.
While on the school board, Krinsky said District 59 often had to help families that were homeless or on the verge of homelessness.
"We had families living in cars. Some heartbreaking stories," Krinsky told the village board during her appointment interview last week.
"Our social workers did everything they could to get them resources. I know how much it negatively affects the ability of children to feel safe and secure and able to focus on their education."
Krinsky lost the April election by 13 votes, finishing last in a five-way race for four seats, amid teacher union opposition for her previous support for departing Superintendent Art Fessler.
Her term on the housing commission runs through April 2023.