D58 Board Welcomes New Member Elizabeth Sigale

Photo: May 4 Board Reorganization Special Meeting. Source: District 58.

The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education held a Board Reorganization Special Meeting on Monday, May 4 to swear in three board members: incumbents John Miller and Doug Purcell and new member Elizabeth Sigale.

“We are so fortunate in District 58 to have a supportive community that truly values education, and are thankful for the continued contributions and leadership of Doug Purcell and John Miller,” said Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli. “We look forward to welcoming Elizabeth Sigale as a new Board member in our District.”

Sigale currently serves as the District 58 PTA Council vice president and previously served as the Indian Trail PTA president. She and her husband, Keith, have three children enrolled in District 58. Sigale also owns a marketing company.

“I’ve had children in District 58 for eight years so far, and we have six more years ahead of us. I’m very excited for this opportunity to give back to the community and serve the District,” Sigale said.

Sigale replaced Dr. Liz Davis, who retired from the District 58 Board of Education.

During her 12-year tenure serving the Board, Dr. Davis made a monumental impact on the District 58 community. She was involved in superintendent hiring processes; difficult budget cuts; an annexation of another school district; the de-annexation of a small part of District 58; the development of a strategic plan; and several bargaining agreements. She served two years as the Board president.

While serving on the Board, Dr. Davis also raised four children with her husband; worked as a nurse and teacher; and earned advanced degrees. Before she was elected to the Board, Dr. Davis was still very involved with District 58, serving as the El Sierra PTA president and participating on the Regional PTA Council.

“We’re very blessed to have a wonderful education system in Downers Grove,” Dr. Davis said. “Thank you always for being innovators and leaders, District 58!”

The Board of Education held a special recognition ceremony for Dr. Davis at its April Board meeting. It began with a beautiful performance by the Downers Grove Children’s Choir, who performed “Sing” from Sesame Street (and the Carpenters) and “An Irish Blessing.”

Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli, Board President Sallie Ann Lupescu, PTA President Kim Costello and DGEEA President Marla Gilbert all took turns talking about Dr. Davis’s many accomplishments and the legacy she will leave behind. Costello presented Dr. Davis with the National PTA’s Life Achievement Award.

“Our District, our community and our Board have accomplished a lot together during Liz’s 12 years of service and we are very grateful for all you have done for us,” said Dr. Cremascoli. “The legacy of Liz Davis’s service on our Board of Education includes an unwavering commitment to keeping kids first, a willingness to make difficult decisions and to lead with distinction during turbulent times, and an uncanny ability to listen compassionately, to share thoughtfully and to lead with passion and integrity.”

Also during the May 4 reorganization meeting, Board President Sallie Lupescu nominated Board Vice President John Cooper to the President’s seat. The Board took action to appoint John Cooper as the new Board President and Doug Purcell as Board Vice President.

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