District 61 Gets New Board Member

DARIEN, IL — The Darien School District 61 board appointed a new member to fill the seat left vacant by Joseph Tortorich at its meeting Tuesday, according to a news release. Resident Karsyn Watson, the parent of four children who have grown up in the district, is set to serve until the next election in April 2021.

In the release, the district said the board established qualifications for the appointee in a "careful and thoughtful manner." Watson, the release said, understands the demands of being a board member along with a "constructive attitude toward the challenge."

Watson's experience within the district includes serving on the DeLay-Lace PTA as president for four years and two years as a co-treasurer. Watson holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Wright State University and works as a senior support specialist that develops and implements procedures involving property management software, according to the release.

In Watson’s letter to the board, she wrote, “I would love to be able to add my background to the already diverse group of individuals that currently make up District 61’s School Board. I feel strongly that my many years in our school district, my years on the PTA Board, and my ability to advocate for children with special needs all give me something different and fresh that this Board might truly benefit from.”

Tortorich's resignation was announced at the board's meeting in March.

District 61 serves elementary and middle school students.