Age: 38Education: B.A. Elementary Education, Governors State University.Job/role: State Representative Anthony DeLuca office aide.Family: Husband Chad Vlietstra and two daughters.Other elected positions: Serving on the District 161 board since 2019. Issues: Goals:
Tag: Flossmoor School District 161
Meet the Candidates: David Linnear, D161 (free content)
Age: 65Education: M.S., University of ArkansasJob/role: U.S. EPA / Engineer (Project Manager)Family: Married with 4 children.Other elected positions: Completing first term on District 161 board.Issues: As a current board member, I am acutely aware that the district is facing big decisions ahead regarding budget, long range/strategic planning, facility needs and improving climate and culture. Flossmoor shall[Read More…]
Meet the Candidates: Theartris Childress III, D161 (free content)
Age: 46 Education: B.S. Biology, Xavier University of Louisiana; M.A. Curriculum and Instruction, Xavier University of Louisiana; Ed.D. Educational Leadership, National Louis University.Job/role: Executive director, Transformations Advisory Group.Family: Wife, Tanika Childress, and three children.Other elected positions: N/A Issues:School boards are faced with the difficult task of deciding how to allocate limited resources to provide a[Read More…]
Flossmoor schools spend $94k on new AC units
The Flossmoor School District 161 board voted 6-1 to purchase four Trane brand rooftop air conditioning units at its Feb. 20 meeting. Board member David Linnear cast the sole dissenting vote. Associate superintendent Fran LaBella said the administration’s recommendation was to buy the Trane units, after analyzing three bids. One[Read More…]
Pre-K mini bus lease contract increases 400% in District 161
At its Jan. 23 meeting, Flossmoor School District 161 board members discussed a sharp increase in the district’s cost to lease two mini buses. The district received a new lease proposal from Midwest Transit, as its four-year contract with the company is set to renew. The cost to lease two[Read More…]
District 161 approves 5-year plan for renovations at a cost of $17 million
After a year of discussion and planning, Flossmoor School District 161 School Board unanimously passed a Long Range Plan at its meeting on Monday, Jan. 23. The five-year blueprint of school upgrades carries a total price tag of $17 million. The plan includes projects identified as priorities by the Long Range[Read More…]
Pickleball craze catches on at H-F racquet club
The H-F Racquet & Fitness Club is helping residents learn to enjoy the fastest-growing sport in the country – pickleball. Pickleball was designed by dads who wanted to entertain their kids while on vacation. The game was first played in 1965 in Washington state. Since then, this fast-moving game is[Read More…]
Building director urges SD161 board to green-light new AC units soon
Four old rooftop air conditioning units might not make it through next summer, according to Flossmoor School District 161 administrators, who are asking the board to quickly approve more than a half-million dollars to replace them. Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, presented the recommendation to the board at[Read More…]
Afterschool programs launch for elementary students in District 161
Elementary school students in Flossmoor School District 161 now have the opportunity to sign up for free afterschool programs, thanks to two government grants. At their Oct. 11 meeting, district board members present unanimously approved implementation of the programs. Members Misha Blackmon and Cameron Nelson were absent from the meeting.[Read More…]
Flossmoor teacher won’t face charges for alleged sexual assault
By Carole SharwarkoSouthland Investigative Reporting [email protected] This story was produced in collaboration with Southland Investigative Reporting Center, a nonprofit journalism organization based in Homewood. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) has decided not to pursue criminal charges against a Western Avenue Elementary School teacher accused of sexual assault by[Read More…]