Channahon D-17 swears in new board members

CHANNAHON – The past and future came together Wednesday, as two new members were sworn onto the Channahon School District 17 Board and a moment of silence was observed for a former superintendent.

The passing of Norval B. Galloway was announced at the beginning of Wednesday’s meeting. Galloway was appointed district superintendent in 1954 and served until his retirement in 1983.

N.B. Galloway Grade School was dedicated to him in 1976.

“What a mark he made on education for many, many years,” Superintendent Karin Evans said.

Galloway often visited the schools after he retired, Evans said, and was proud of the district.

New board members seated

Also Wednesday, the two new board members elected April 7 were seated. Dee Foreman and Mistey Kosek took the seats of George McCoy and Jim Bogacz. Neither McCoy nor Bogacz sought re-election.

Julie Bankes, who was re-elected, also was sworn into office.

The board and administrators thanked McCoy and Bogacz for their service as they stepped down.

“We so appreciate your tenure, what you have done for the district and for the community,” Evans said. “This district is better because of the two of you.”

McCoy was on the school board for 12 years, Bogacz for 10.

Student recognition,
staff changes

The school board also recognized several students, including the eighth-grade girls volleyball team, who were state champions. Also recognized were wrestling state champion Nathan Berta and state qualifiers Hunter Ryan and Connor Colbert; and spelling bee winners Madison Wilson, who will advance in competition, Donna Korczak and Megan Angus.

Dave Corbin, of American Legion Post 1188, also announced the winners of this year’s essay contest. First place went to Hannah Knight, second to Marissa Billie and third to Heather Schild.

The board also took care of some personnel matters. Hired was Erin O’Leary as a paraprofessional aide. Renee Bogacz, Angela Colyott, Sue Hammerstein and Susan Sprouse will be co-yearbook advisers next year, and Kay Thompson and Shari Fishburn resigned as yearbook advisers.