Neighbors in the news: Schaumburg Park District president named trustee to state board

• Bob Schmidt, president of the Schaumburg Park District, was elected to the Illinois Association of Park Districts' (IAPD) Board of Trustees.

As an IAPD trustee, Schmidt will assist the association with its mission of advancing Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in their ability to preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois.

"Bob understands firsthand the positive influences of parks, recreation and conservation, and his dedication to community service is outstanding," said Peter Murphy, IAPD president and CEO.

"He is an excellent addition to the IAPD board, and I know that with his guidance and expertise, Illinois parks, recreation and conservation will continue to thrive."

Schmidt, who was elected to the Schaumburg Park District's Board of Commissioners in 2003, was a teacher for Schaumburg School District 54 for 32 years and served as the boys and girls soccer coach at Schaumburg High School from 1994 to 2016.

He has been active with St. Peter Lutheran Church, the Schaumburg Athletic Association and the village of Schaumburg.

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Lindenhurst resident, Dennis M. Dean, an agent with Strategic Financial Group, Inc., in Chicago, was elected 2023 president of the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA).

The NAIFA-Illinois president, along with the association's board of directors, develops strategies and provides oversight to ensure the continued success of the state chapter.

"NAIFA has been an important part of my success and has helped me serve my clients better," said Dean. "It's an honor for me to support my professional association, and I am pleased to be able to contribute to the success of my fellow NAIFA members. Ensuring that NAIFA-Illinois remains a strong, vital organization is crucial for our industry as well for agents and advisers and consumers in our state."

Dean has been a NAIFA member since 2007. His practice focuses on helping individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses achieve their personal and business financial goals.

Dean also serves on the board of his local chapter of Kiwanis International.

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The Illinois State Board of Education honored Rebecca Wickboldt, a third grade teacher in Libertyville School District 70, with its 2023 Award of Meritorious Service.

Wickboldt will be presented her award, along with educators from across the state, on April 29 at the 49th annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet.

Wickboldt, who teaches at Rockland School, is in her 16th year of full-time teaching, beginning as a paraeducator in 2006. In addition to her daily teaching duties, she serves as a member on the Rockland School School Improvement Plan team, PBIS team, and social committee. She also serves on the District 70 math committee and is the regional representative for the Libertyville Education Association.

"It was such an honor to be nominated and receive the award of meritorious service," Wickboldt said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love each day in District 70 - teach. I am constantly inspired by the wonderful educators and staff members I work with, and they help me be the best I can be for my students."

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The U-46 Board of Education appointed Suzanne Johnson of Streamwood as interim superintendent. For the past five years, Johnson has served as the deputy superintendent of instruction for the district. "Dr. Johnson has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to students and staff during a nearly 26-year career devoted to public service in U-46," said board President Susan Kerr.

A graduate of Elgin High School, Johnson returned to her U-46 roots to teach language arts at Canton Middle School in Streamwood. Her first administrative role was as a divisional leader at Bartlett High School. She quickly advanced into the role of associate principal and then principal prior to moving into a role in central administration in 2013, first as an assistant superintendent of teaching and learning before being promoted to the deputy superintendent position.

Johnson holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from DePaul University and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The interim appointment was effective Feb. 23.

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