District 157-C fills School Board vacancy

At a Special Meeting of the Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education on August 27, the Board filled the vacancy for the seat of Board member Cari Ann Mills. Mrs. Mills resigned from the Board on August 12.

During the Special Meeting, the Board reviewed résumés from eight community members who were interested in serving on the Board after published notice of the vacancy. The Board unanimously appointed Mike Turner to fill the vacant seat through the remainder of Mrs. Mills’ term which expires in spring of 2017. Mr. Turner previously served on the Board from 2011-2015.

Board President Gina Briese stated, “When Cari Mills resigned her position the Board lost six years of experience. Mike Turner has recently served four years on the Board and he brings much knowledge in the area of budget, policy and negotiations. His experience will allow the Board to continue its work without any interruption in service to the District. I believe this is the best decision for the District at this point. I want to thank the other seven applicants who applied for the position and I encourage them to run for the Board in two years and continue to remain active in our schools.”

Mr. Turner earned a Juris Doctorate degree Magna cum Laude and Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is a Partner at Neal Gerber & Eisenberg LLP in Chicago, an elected member of the Alumni Advisory Board to the University of Illinois College of Law and a published author. He also serves on the Campaign Committee for Equip for Equality disability advocacy clinic and provides pro bono legal advice to parents of special needs children under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. Mr. Turner lives in Frankfort with his wife, Kelly, and their family.