Board member resigns, freeing spot in Dist. 94

By Jake Griffin Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted on June 20, 2001

Bob Lemon wasn't expecting to take office until November after being elected April 3.

The West Chicago High School District 94 school board accepted the resignation of member Karen Kostal at Tuesday's meeting but Lemon still isn't expecting to take office until November.

"As soon as I am informed where I fill out an application I will do so," he said. "I expect them to advertise the opening and when that occurs I will be informed. I expect not to be chosen."

Lemon is a former math teacher in the district on disability leave. He said he received a legal notice from the district in regard to his upcoming board membership, but refused to elaborate on why he thought the board would shun him.

Superintendent Lee Rieck said the board would decide how the vacancy would be filled and has 45 days from the time it accepted Kostal's resignation to fill the spot.

"There's no set policy on how to fill a vacancy," Rieck said. "We've had no discussion, but (Lemon is) an option the board could pursue."

One board member said in past cases of board vacancies applications are submitted by interested parties and then an interim member is chosen by the board.

Lemon was easily elected to one of four spots open in the April 3 vote. Three incumbents filled out the noncontested ballot. Lemon gathered more votes than one of the incumbents, Patricia Davidson. Lemon tallied 4,405 votes; Davidson received 4,390.

Lemon was a school board member at the local elementary school district, but resigned to prepare for his upcoming tenure on the high school board.

"I have requested materials from the board to study for this position," Lemon said. "I have not received anything yet."

Kostal was elected in 1997 and resigned just before completing her first term. She served on the swim task force and on the discipline committee.

The school board had no discussions Tuesday on how the vacancy would be filled.