June 06, 2025
Shaw Local
NewsSubscribePrep SportsObituariesFriday Night DriveeNewspaperLocal EventsShaw Local RadioStarved Rock Country

After 24 years on La Salle-Peru High School Board, Al Cherpeske retires

Longtime board member thanks all who played a role during his tenure

By Jayce Eustice

Al Cherpeske (front, seated) has served alongside his fellow La Salle-Peru High School board members for over two decades. He retired from the board after deciding not to run for re-election in the April 6 election. Cherpeske was honored by fellow board members (standing, from left) Superintendent Steven Wrobleski, Carol Alcorn, Tony Sparks, Sally Taliani, Matt Merboth and Rose Marie Lynch during Wednesday's board meeting. (Jayce Eustice)

In the past two and a half decades, Al Cherpeske has participated in dozens of La Salle-Peru High School board meetings.

Wednesday night, he attended his final meeting as a board member. Cherpeske decided not to run for re-election in the April 6 election.

Cherpeske’s colleagues, school staff and community members celebrated his 24 years of service Wednesday, extending congratulations and presenting him with a gift of gratitude from the school.

Board President Tony Sparks recalled Cherpeske was the board president in 2007 when Sparks first joined the board. In the 14 years since, Sparks said Cherpeske has greatly helped him and guided the board.

“I found (Cherpeske) to be a solid and dedicated board member,” Sparks said. “He didn’t miss a lot of meetings and put in countless hours. He has always had a way to let people know how he felt in a good way.”

Sparks thanked Cherpeske for all that he has done both for the school and for him personally.

Cherpeske said it has been an honor to serve the school district’s students and taxpayers as well as work alongside many great board members.

“I’m very confident with the staff that we have and the administration staff will continue to provide quality service and education to our students,” Cherpeske said. “At L-P, I have been very proud of our board members, teaching staff, support staff, custodial staff and others who all work together to make L-P High School a first-class school, second to none.”

Cherpeske has been an integral part in the L-P board. Up to his last meeting, he served as the chairman of the building and grounds committee.

He still plans to be around the school to support its many activities and sporting events.

“I thank everyone who has provided me this opportunity to serve the district, and I thank everyone in the community and board members,” Cherpeske said. “It’s been a great honor to serve on the board. We have a good educational system here, and thank you for all the hard work that everyone has done currently and in the past. I thank you.”

The school board will swear in Cherpeske’s successor, Gary Ferrari, at its next meeting at 6 p.m. May 19.

La Salle-Peru High School board President Tony Sparks (right) thanked board member Al Cherpeske for his 24 years of service to the school district during Wednesday night's monthly board meeting. Cherpeske retired from the board, concluding his two-decade tenure this week. (Jayce Eustice)