New Face Joins District 128 School Board

From Community High School District 128: At a Special Board Meeting held April 30, the Community High School District 128 Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Lisa Hessel to the Board of Education. Hessel will fill the position vacated following the recent resignation of Ellen Mauer. The position is approximately an 11-month position until the next election. Hessel was selected from a field of 15 outstanding applicants. The initial applicants were narrowed to five finalists who completed interviews with the board on April 30.

Hessel is a Vernon Hills resident and parent of a VHHS sophomore. She is an active volunteer at VHHS as well as in District 73, is an avid reader, and enjoys traveling with her husband, Clay. Hessel has an extensive background in human resources, most recently as the Director of Talent Management at GCG Financial. She has completed coursework towards an MBA/MSHR from DePaul University - Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business and holds a BS in Broadcast Journalism from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“We’re thrilled to have Lisa join our team,” said D128 Board of Education President Pat Groody. “She adds new skills to our already diverse group and we look forward to working with her to further enhance the programs in D128.” Superintendent Prentiss Lea noted, “Lisa brings a unique skill set, enthusiasm, and commitment to working with the Board and stakeholders to build on the excellence of the district while ensuring district resources are used wisely in doing so.”

When asked about her interest in serving on the Board, Hessel said, “I am passionate about the district being an environment that enables students to reach their full potential and is an employer of choice for top educators. I have a background in Human Resources that enables me to understand complex issues and competing priorities.”

“I see a Board of Education member as responsible for optimizing district resources to provide the best education to our students as possible,” Hessel said reflecting on the role of a Board member. “I think board members should strive to be a positive ambassador to the community, representing the ideals of the district and being a good listener so that they can shape the board's focus to include both current school issues and the goals and concerns of residents.”

Image via Community High School District 128