District 132 - District - Board of Education

District 132 Board of Education

The Board of Education, of Calumet Park School District 132, is representative of the community and elected by the Calumet Park residents. It is the goal of this unified board to set policy by which the schools can be governed. A major responsibility of the Board of Education is to select a Superintendent to make certain that all students are achieving at high levels and to ensure that the schools are managed well. The concerted effort of the Board of Education and Superintendent is to assure that children are considered first in all policy and management decisions. That combined effort shall surely result in developing educated, mature, responsible, self-assured, life-long learners that will confidently make their contribution to society.

Ms. Ernestine Stover, President

I was compelled to become a Board member, in April of 2003, because I believe that education is not an option instead it is a right that should be afforded every child. The students of our district deserve a bright future which is just around the corner. During this school year, I have been involved in the process of restructuring the district’s educational system. The district now has a new curriculum, new books, more certified teachers, test prep classes and more. As a resident for more than 25 years, I have developed a deep love for the Calumet Park Community. I attend many community meetings and understand that volunteering is the heart of a quality and progressive community. I have attended Chicago State University and continue to further my education at Morraine Valley Community College. I believe that education is perpetual and not provisional. A First-Rate Educational School District? YES! District 132 can be that and more!

Ms. Barbara Thomas, Vice President

I have been a resident and homeowner for 22 years and a former Financial Secretary of Calumet Public Schools for over ten years. I was appointed to the Board in January of 2003 to fill a vacant position. I served for 2 years and then ran for a seat on the Board in the 2005 election. I have served as PTA President for 2 years and was instrumental in starting the Market Day Program in the Calumet School District in 2000. Education is very important to me and my family. Failure is NOT an option, when it comes to educating our community’s children.

Ms. Grace Wallace, Secretary

I have been a resident of Calumet Park for 31 years. I have been actively involved in the school district, in the community, and with the children. My four children attended and graduated from District 132. I have been involved as a parent, a PTA member, and as a teacher in the district for 18 years. In September of 2006, I was appointed to the Board. I have served as a member of the Community Relations Board, Friends of the Playground Committee, and Chairperson for the Festival Committee. Education can be a cornerstone that a child’s growth, family life, and a community’s stability stand on. I truly believe that if the school board, the school administration, faculty and staff, parents, and the community work together; we can provide the very highest quality of education for the children of our community.

Mr. William Connor, Member

Mr. Connor - As President of the Board of Education of Calumet Park School District 132, it has been a pleasure to be a part of the team that can work together to see that our children are able to get all of the benefits of the education that they deserve. As we strive to accomplish goals and watch our children move forward, we keep in mind that what we do today will have an accumulated effect on all of our tomorrows. When we face difficult times, it is important to remember that circumstances do not make a person, they reveal a person.

Ms. Karen Ivey, Member

Mr. Abe Wilson, Member

My American Dream is to have an education system in District 132 that produces scholars and well-versed dignitaries that travel the world. It would be so wonderful to have one of our students, 8 years from now and after graduating from college, to say that this school district is where he or she really got started. Now just imagine if it were 10 or 20 students saying the same. I am so glad that I am a part of their beginning. Our children in Calumet Township are very enthusiastic and eager to learn. Our job as adults, parents, teachers and school board members is to provide the proper environment, equipment and supportive energy for our children to be what they want to be.

Goal I.	Strengthen curriculum and instruction based on identified needs to improve achievement of all students.

Goal II.	Strengthen and enhance the role of school site administrators.

Goal III.	Improve student support services.

Goal IV.	Establish and maintain a recruitment, hiring, training and retention program in order that the most highly qualified staff is available to all students.

Goal V.	Develop a clear and concise spending and financial reporting plan to provide effective use of resources for student learning.

Goal VI.	Strengthen relationships at all levels within school district and with the community.

Goal VII.	Improve board organization, effectiveness and efficiency as a policy making body.