LTHS Teacher Pulls Application For School Board Seat

LA GRANGE, IL – An applicant to fill the vacant position on the Lyons Township High School board has removed his name from consideration.

Paul Meiste, a music teacher at the school, did so after Patch informed him that a school employee could not legally serve on the board under state law.

On Thursday morning, Meiste responded to Patch's email.

"Thank you for sharing this information with me," Meiste wrote. "I have withdrawn my application."

Patch had sent him an opinion from the Illinois Council of School Attorneys showing teachers could not serve on school boards where they work.

The reason for such bans is that conflicts of interest are inherent. Employees would vote on matters that affect their employment. And they would be both above and below administrators on the flow chart.

Meiste, who lives in Countryside, was one of nine applicants for the position that was left vacant recently by Elvia Navia, who served for 15 months.

In his application, Meiste, who was hired in 2012, noted his service to the school.

"As a teacher and community member, I feel I have a unique view of the school district and its policies," Meiste said. "I would like the opportunity to voice my opinions for the benefit of the students and the teachers and would also like to learn more about the school that's been such a large part of my life."

Patch published a story Tuesday about the applicants.