Thurman steps down as Dist. 128 board member

Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board member Mackenzie Thurman quit this week, slightly more than halfway into his two-year term.

Thurman, of Libertyville, told the Daily Herald he stepped down because he's moving out of the district to better accommodate his job as a staffer for Chicago Alderman Sophia King.

Thurman called being a board member "a tremendous honor and privilege."

"From day one, I was focused on championing an environment that would allow for all students to thrive," said Thurman, a 2011 Libertyville High graduate.

It's now up to Thurman's former peers on the school board to appoint someone to finish his term, which expires in spring 2019.

Thurman is the second trustee to resign from the District 128 board this year.

Ellen Mauer of Libertyville quit in March after pleading guilty to violating election law. Mauer was replaced by Vernon Hills resident Lisa Hessel.

District 128 residents interested in the volunteer job must complete an application by 4 p.m. July 12.

People who applied for the vacancy that followed Mauer's resignation and still are interested in serving should email Associate Superintendent Briant Kelly at briant.kelly@d128.org before July 12 to reactivate their application files.

The board will appoint a new member by Aug. 10.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, registered voters and must have lived in the district at least one year.

Applications can be found at d128.org.