A. Janelle Scharon has resigned from the Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education.
An announcement about the vacancy was made by the district on Aug. 31. Scharon posted her own announcement on Facebook earlier in the week to let her constituents know that she would be stepping down for personal reasons. She was elected to the board in April 2021.
“I am thankful to have served as an elected board member. I am also grateful to have worked in the capacity of improving our schools and district and its functions for our children, families, and community,” said Scharon’s Facebook post. “Thank you for your votes and support.”
Scharon’s resignation comes just days after she voted with other board members to appoint Liz Agbarah to a board seat vacated by Misha Blackman. The board is legally required to fill vacant seats within 60 days.
To apply for the District 161 board, prospective candidates are required to submit a one-page letter of interest and a current resume. These documents must be received by board secretary Christina Vliestra before 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 15. Individuals who applied for the recent vacancy and wish to be reconsidered are encouraged to reach out via email to Vlietstra, so their previous submission can be used.
The one-page letter of interest should tell the board why the candidate is interested in becoming a member, what they can offer the district with their presence on the board and should explain any prior experience or involvement with the school board.
All potential candidates must fulfill legal prerequisites to be considered for board membership. Candidates must be a United States citizen aged 18 or above, a registered voter and have been a resident of Illinois and District 161 for at least one year preceding the appointment.
Ineligibility factors include holding a conflicting office and specific types of state or federal employment. Individuals classified as child sex offenders are ineligible for board of education membership under state law.
Upon receiving letters of interest, the board will review all applicants and carry out interviews as necessary. They plan to finalize the appointment of the selected member by Oct. 23.
The appointed candidate will serve on the board until the next consolidated general election scheduled for Apr. 1, 2025.
For any inquiries or questions related to the application process or requirements, contact Dana Smith, superintendent of schools, at 708-647-7030.