Heather Kartsounes, a patent attorney and Hinsdale resident, was unanimously elected and sworn in to the Hinsdale Township District 86 School Board, Thursday.
Kartsounes was elected by six members of the district board to replace Kay Gallo who resigned on Oct. 26.
Gallo became one of two members to resign from the board this year, Debbie Levinthal having left in September.
Gallo’s resignation came the same day as Levinthal’s replacement, Dr. Abed Rahman was sworn in, citing frustration with the board’s openness and organization.
Gallo, who had previously served on the board and had the most experience in District 86, ran for reelection in April, winning a seat alongside Asma Akhras and board president Catherine Greenspon.
“The board would like to express its gratitude to Kay for her dedicated service as a board member,” Greenspon said in a statement Thursday. “We also want to extend our congratulations to Heather on her appointment to the board of education. Heather’s valuable perspectives, professional expertise and passionate commitment to District 86 will be significant assets that will contribute to our collective success as a board.”
Kartsounes’s term on the board will end April 1, 2025 when voters will hold a consolidated election in which the community will decide who should hold the office for the remainder of Gallo’s term, ending in April 2027.
“I want to thank the District 86 Board of Education for the time and energy it dedicated toward filling its vacancy, and for trusting me with this important responsibility,” Kartsounes said in a statement. “As a proud District 86 community member for more than a decade, I consider it a privilege to serve on this board and have the opportunity to contribute to our district’s proud tradition of excellence.”
According to the District, 22 people applied to fill the vacancy, narrowed down to three candidates during a closed special meeting of the board on Dec. 5.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members as we continue to move the district in a positive direction that supports the overall success of the students, staff, schools and community we serve,” Kartsounes said in the statement.