Hinsdale D-181 Gets New Board Member

HINSDALE, IL – The Hinsdale School District 181 board appointed a new board member Monday.

Asim Aleem is filling the vacancy left by Sarah Jakobsen. In early June, she resigned with the expectation she would soon move out of the district, according to a District 181 news release.

Aleem is the chief financial officer at Midtown Athletic Clubs in Chicago, a position he has held since January 2020.

He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from the University of Illinois, completing them in 2002 and 2003, respectively.

In 2012, Aleem also received a master's degree in business administration from the University of Chicago, with a focus on finance, entrepreneurship and strategic management.

"The District has done a tremendous job of establishing a high standard of educational excellence, and I look forward to working with the Board, District administrators, and the community to continue to raise the bar," Aleem said in the news release.

Board President Michael Martin praised Aleem.

"His business expertise combined with his passion for learning and District 181 is undeniable – I have no doubt he will be a great addition to our team," Martin said.

Aleem was selected after an application and interview process that started in July, according to the news release. He will serve until the school board election, which is April 4.

Unlike in some states, interviews for elected positions in Illinois are allowed to be held behind closed doors. They nearly always are.

Even the names of candidates can be kept secret in Illinois, although public bodies in some instances release them.