U-46 board to appoint Bartlett band parent to fill vacancy Monday
The Elgin Area School District U-46 school board Monday is expected to appoint John Devereux of Bartlett to fill the vacancy after board member Traci O'Neal Ellis' resignation.
Devereux was chosen from among 17 candidates who applied to fill the vacancy. The school board pared down the list to 10 candidates who were interviewed last week in open session.
Ellis resigned her seat April 23 after seven years of service. If appointed Monday, Devereux would complete Ellis' remaining term expiring after the spring school board elections.
Devereux, chief actuary for a Chicago-based firm, and wife, Niki, have lived within U-46 boundaries for 25 years. Their two children attended district schools and their youngest son graduated Saturday from Bartlett High School.
Devereux has served in leadership roles on the Bartlett High School Band Parent Organization for seven years and coaching teams for the Bartlett Park District for about 15 years.
"I certainly understand that balance is required when considering the needs and interests of a diverse set of constituents," Devereux wrote in his cover letter to the board. "I am also entirely realistic about the fact that there are real financial constraints present ... in my personal life, in my activities associated with the BHS Band Parents Organization, and in my corporate work, I've found that pragmatic solutions can be achieved through hard work, exhaustive communication, a sense of alignment, and a strong spirit of collaboration."