Board Member Dr. Peter DeRousse Announces Resignation After 13 Years of Service

After 13 years of service on the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Board of Education, Board Member Dr. Peter DeRousse has officially announced his resignation. Dr. DeRousse was elected to the Board of Education in April 2013 and is in his fourth term serving the students and families of the Oak Lawn and Hometown communities.

Dr. DeRousse first joined the Board alongside current Board President Brian Nichols, beginning a partnership that spanned more than a decade. A parent of three District 123 graduates, Dr. DeRousse brought a deep personal connection to the District along with valued expertise in financial and legal matters, and he became known throughout his tenure as a steady, thoughtful voice and a consistent advocate for students.

Reflecting on his 13 years of service, Dr. DeRousse expressed pride in the progress and accomplishments achieved during his tenure on the Board. He noted his confidence in the District's future and his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and families of District 123 throughout four terms on the Board of Education.

"It has been an honor to serve this community and work alongside individuals who consistently placed students at the center of every decision," Dr. DeRousse shared. "I am grateful for the experiences, relationships, and collective work accomplished over the years, and I look forward to seeing District 123 continue to thrive in the years ahead."



Among the accomplishments Dr. DeRousse pointed to with particular pride was the District's Early Learning Center, an initiative rooted in his long-standing belief that strong early literacy sets students up for success throughout their education. He often challenged the Board to keep raising the bar for the District's youngest learners, and he encouraged his colleagues to continue that work in the years to come.

Superintendent Dr. Paul Enderle also expressed appreciation for Dr. DeRousse's contributions to the District.

"Peter has been a tremendous advocate for students and a dedicated servant leader for our community," Dr. Enderle said. "His steady leadership, collaborative approach, and deep care for District 123 have helped strengthen our schools and support the continued success of our students. He will be greatly missed as a member of the Board of Education."

Board President Brian Nichols echoed that sentiment in thanking Dr. DeRousse for his service.

"Peter's diligence and devotion to this institution over 13 years is a model for our community of the dedication to service that we work to instill in every District 123 student," Nichols said. "His commitment to honoring our staff, keeping students' best interests at the center of our work, and upholding the principles of good governance, transparency, and fiduciary responsibility has been an inspiration to us all."

Filling the Vacancy

With Dr. DeRousse's departure, the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Board of Education will begin an open application process to appoint a qualified community member to the vacant seat. Because of when the vacancy occurred, the appointed board member will serve from the date of appointment until the April 6, 2027 consolidated election, when voters will elect a successor to serve the balance of the unexpired term.

Community members interested in serving are encouraged to learn more about the qualifications and application process by viewing the official vacancy announcement here: d123.org/boardvacancy