Elmhurst D-205 Board Member 'Calmed Things Down'

ELMHURST, IL — An Elmhurst School District 205 member attended her last meeting Tuesday after eight years of service. She was hailed as having "quiet strength" and finding middle ground.

Margaret Harrell decided against running for a third term in the April 6 election. Her LinkedIn page lists her as a grants management officer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

At Tuesday's meeting, Harrell, the board's vice president, was honored for her work.

"You have been a teammate, a positive force for good and a great example of quiet strength," board President Kara Caforio said. "You are thoughtful and wise in your contributions."

Board member Jim Collins also credited Harrell's involvement.

"When our discussions got heated, you calmed things down. When we were divided, you proposed a compromise. You always found middle ground," Collins said.

He added, "My guess — we were wise enough to never have this discussion — is that our national political views are pretty far apart, but over the last eight years, when it comes to kids, we have been on the same side of the issue on average 99 times out of 100."

In her speech, Harrell credited everyone involved in the schools, but fought back tears when talking about students.

"To the students, you are the joy and the jewel of our community," she said. "You are the reason we do what we do. I will miss being part of your celebrations and successes. Thank you for being such a motivating source and such an inspiring group of diverse and gifted young people."

She also noted the trials of the last year — school closures, school reopenings, the search for a superintendent, the departure of the current one and the hiring of interim and permanent superintendents.

"We have been living through the fire together," Harrell said. "While we are living through it, we can either separate and self-destruct or meld and become stronger together. I am proud that the Elmhurst District 205 Board of Education has melded and remained an intact, fully functional team."

Shortly after, Harrell left her seat in the board meeting room. New member Athena Arvanitis took the oath of office.

Three seats were up in the election. Caforio and Collins won new terms.