New District 94 member sworn in

By Jake Griffin Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted May 21, 2003

Tony Reyes received a diploma from West Chicago's Community High School in 1972.

Almost 31 years to the day later, he was sworn in as the school district's newest board member.

Reyes will fill the remaining two years on Bob Lemon's term with District 94 after edging out two other candidates interviewed a week ago by the board.

The board unanimously approved his appointment at Tuesday's meeting.

"I am pleased, obviously, and I was hoping to get a chance to represent the community," he said.

In a school where about one-third of the student population is Hispanic, Reyes also bridges an ethnic gap that has existed on the board for years.

The board intentionally sought Hispanic candidates to fill the vacancy, interviewing Reyes, Zaraida Laureano and Eric Godoy - all Hispanic residents of the school district.

In the end, the board's president, Maria Owens, said it was Reyes' experience on other elected bodies and local commissions that gave him the edge.

"We are thrilled to death," Owens said. "Tony is the best appointment, in addition to the fact he is Hispanic."

Reyes served on the Winfield Elementary School District 34 board in the early 1990s, and he also was once a DuPage Airport Authority board member. District 34 is one of three feeder elementary districts in District 94.

He owns a manufacturing company in Barrington and lives in Winfield.

Reyes said his experience on previous boards will serve him well in his new post.

"I'm sure that experience played into the decision," he said. "I don't expect it to take me as long to get situated as it would a new board member."

Owens said with two new members already joining the board this year, Reyes' experience is a bonus.

"His learning curve will be a little easier than someone who has never served," she said.

Reyes said he likely will seek re-election in two years when his term is up, but he wouldn't speculate on his tenure beyond that.

His predecessor was forced to resign when it was discovered his retirement pension from District 94 was being jeopardized by his activity on the board. Lemon is a former math teacher at the school.

Lemon was elected to the District 94 board in 2001 after serving on the West Chicago Elementary School District 33 board. He since has been re-appointed to a seat on the District 33 board.