At its Aug. 22 meeting, the Elwood Board of Education took multiple restructuring actions following the resignation of one if its longtime and beloved members.

The Board acknowledged the receipt of a letter of resignation from President Julia Fried, who has stepped down for personal reasons. 

“On behalf of the Board and the entire Elwood School Community, I thank Mrs. Fried for her many years of dedicated service to the students and families of Elwood,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert. “Her contributions to the Board will certainly be missed.”

Following the announcement, Vice President Becky Marcus was administered the oath of office to serve as President for the 2019-2020 school year. The Board will vote on a new Vice President at its September meeting. Mrs. Marcus also shared some warm thoughts and well wishes for Mrs. Fried, which were echoed by the other Board members present. 

After receiving guidance from district counsel, and after much discussion, the Board appointed Michael LaMena to fill the vacant seat on the Board. He will complete the remainder of Mrs. Fried’s term, which will expire on May 19, 2020. 

Mr. LaMena previously served multiple terms as a Board of Education member, including serving as the Board President for the 2016-17 school year. 

“I am confident that Mr. LaMena’s strong background and experience will, once
again, be an asset to the Board and the entire Elwood community,” said Dr. Bossert. “We welcome him back and thank him for his service during this upcoming school year.”

Deborah Weiss, who was elected as a member of the Board and took office effective July 1, 2019, was also sworn in.