Ex-LTHS Official Appears At Board Meeting

LA GRANGE, IL – A former Lyons Township High School board member who resigned a day after graduation appeared at a board meeting Tuesday to accept well-wishes from her former colleagues.

Earlier in the meeting, a resident questioned the circumstances of former member Julie Swinehart's departure.

Her exit was rumored for months because she had taken a job on the East Coast last summer. She did not answer Patch's inquiries starting in February about whether she was leaving.

Some residents believe that Swinehart could have resigned before election deadlines. That way, voters could have chosen her replacement, rather than the board.

Willow Springs resident Fred Whiting is among the critics. He spoke during public comments at the meeting.

"This board knew for the better part of a year that Julie Swinehart was going to resign immediately after graduation," Whiting said. "No doubt that the board and (Superintendent Brian) Waterman were in on it, preventing the seat from being on the election cycle."

He continued, "It's very shameful. You all know that you were in on it. There's no other way to look at it."

The board did not respond.

At the meeting, members unanimously adopted a resolution to honor Swinehart.

Member Kari Dillon said Swinehart, who was elected in 2021, provided "sound, level-headed views" and insights that always came with a smile.

Board President Dawn Aubert said she appreciated Swinehart's time and energy devoted to the school, where Swinehart herself graduated.

"I've enjoyed working with you so much," Aubert said.

"You guys are too kind," said Swinehart, who accepted a plaque.

She said circumstances change.

"It's with a heavy heart that I leave, but wishing you all the best," Swinehart said.

Swinehart's term lasted through April 2025.

In the months leading up to Swinehart's resignation, Patch wrote a number of stories about the questions of her future on the board. Among the reported developments was when she put her house up for sale.

Swinehart's defenders accused Patch of poor journalism, saying it should have waited until she made a formal announcement.

Last July, Swinehart was hired as the chief financial officer for the Boston-based Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox.

The board has not decided on Swinehart's replacement.