After 16 years of service, Deb Havighorst resigned from the District 153 school board. She said she gave it her all and believes it is time for someone new to serve.
Havighorst was appointed to the board in 2008, and won election four times. When she was first elected, her daughter Katie had graduated from James Hart School. Her son Michael was three years younger and a student in the district.
“I know there are many people in the district who could bring more to the district than I can. I would love for one of our younger parents who are in our schools on a day-to-day basis to look at and seriously consider becoming a member of this board,” Havighorst said in her parting statement. While she admitted it can be “a little tricky being a board member and having a child in school,” she knows her son had no ill effects because of her service.
The board will have 60 days to fill her seat. The new board member will serve until the April election when three seats will be open.
“I am proud of the service I’ve given this school district and the community for the past 15 years.” She recognized the help she’s received from current and former school board members and Superintendent Scott McAlister and retired superintendent Dale Mitchell.
There were times when she would be conflicted as she examined an issue, but said she always recognized “my obligation was to the residents who paid taxes for the district.” She appreciated all that her role as a board member afforded her, including working through bargaining sessions, developing strategic plans and supporting three referenda in support of the schools.
Havighorst received numerous compliments from fellow board members who recognized her for her loyalty, her empathy and her honesty.
Fellow board member Shelly Marks said Havighorst always gave guests the utmost respect so that they knew they were “heard and respected and that you were able to make them feel that they were valued, even if we didn’t agree with them.”
Board member Jim Schmidt said Havighorst’s service was giving of herself for others.
“What more can you ask of a board member?” he said.
And board member Alex Bosch credited Havighorst with helping him see a different perspective to a problem.
“You helped me do the job more effectively and be a better person,” Bosch said.
Havighorst was sincere and honest, and added levity to discussions, member Ron Zinnerman said. He said Havighorst was caring and “real. She’d look at me directly and ask how I was doing.”
In thanking Havighorst for her 16 years on the board, Superintendent Scott McAlister said taking a leadership position can be difficult, but he chose to do it because of Havighorst and her fellow board members. At trying times, he remembers Havighorst’s saying: “I do what I do because of these kids.”
“The impact you’ve had, your guidance in working for the kids and your leadership on the board has been really, really valuable.” McAlister said.
