Schools

Midlothian Mayor Resigns From D228 School Board

Sharon Rybak turned in her letter of resignation to the board over the weekend. She had received criticism for holding 2 elected offices after winning Midlothian's mayoral race earlier this year.

Midlothian Mayor Sharon Rybak has stepped down from her seat on the Bremen High School District 228 Board of Education this week, according to a district press release.

Rybak turned in her letter of resignation Saturday, Sept. 21, and the resignation is effective immediately, the release said.

“With the time constraints that I find myself with I believe that it would be better for me to step down from my current position of Board Member of the School Board,” Rybak wrote in her letter, according to the release. “It has been a pleasure to serve and work with so many hard-working, dedicated people. I will miss being able to serve with you to continue the work we have started to always make children first when making decisions on the School Board.”

Rybak has served on the D228 board since 2011, and she was elected Midlothian mayor earlier this year. She also holds a full-time job with the Midlothian Parks District.

Even though state and local laws don't prohibit it, holding two elected offices drew criticism for Rybak over concerns of potential conflicts of interest. The Illinois Attorney General's Office, in fact, issued an opinion that Rybak had effectively resigned her position when she became mayor, according to a Sun-Times Media report.

READ: Check Out the Full Sun-Times Media Report for More Details

The school district is now accepting applications to fill the board vacancy. The open seat will not be up for election again until April 2015, and the person appointed will serve that entire term.

Candidates looking to apply can find an application packet at the D228 website or pick one up at the district's office, 15233 S. Pulaski Road, Midlothian. Deadline for applications is 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. Final candidate interview will be conducted during the weeks of Oct. 21 and Oct. 28.

YOUR TURN: Do you think Sharon Rybak should have resigned her position on the Bremen High School District 228 school board? Share your thoughts in the comments section.


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