Defeated Markham Park Board member appointed to Bremen District 228 Board
School Board members chose Laurence Patterson II to fill the vacancy. Patterson, who was a Markham Park Board member from 2019 to 2023, when he lost a reelection bid, said he is excited for the opportunity to continue his long-term goal of 'breaking down generational barriers' and helping local youth engage with their community.
The opportunity was 'right place, right time,' Patterson said.
Former board member Marquita Marshall Motley resigned her position in late April, after winning the election that month for the Hazel Crest Village Board.
Patterson said it was a school employee who encouraged him to seek the school board position after his election loss.
'My motivation for me applying to this role is the same,' Patterson said. 'We need more positive influences in our communities, and I'm under the belief that I can help shape that narrative.'
The district serves more than 5,000 students at Bremen High School in Midlothian, Hillcrest High School in Oak Forest, Tinley Park High School and Oak Forest High School.
Superintendent Brad Sikora said the district is working to improve academic achievement after falling short of state learning standards for English/language arts, math and science.
The board also aims to improve instruction, fiscal responsibility and public relations, and Patterson's spirit of collaboration aligned with these goals and stood out among the other four candidates, Sikora said.
'My main goal is to continue fostering a united team environment within the board,' Patterson said. 'I see this board evolving in the same sense as how education is evolving. We have obstacles such as (artificial intelligence) and technology that continues to create some challenges but as a board, I feel we are ready to and will lead on these issues.'
Sikora said the district hopes to improve academic performance by improving the district's graduation rate, the number of freshmen on track to graduate and the rate of students passing classes.
'Those three metrics work hand in hand,' Sikora said. 'We put a focus on making sure that we have all the supports available so that all of our students, especially our freshmen, don't fall behind, don't fall through the cracks and when you have them on track in a good system, generally that system carries through.'
Patterson said he has experience helping businesses with operations, marketing and access to financial resources, along with influence running a foundation that brings socks to veterans and children. In his experience, he said, community work is not easy, but it's exciting to continue offering community resources.
Patterson's appointment follows the election in April that brought new member Alicia Soliz to the board. Patterson has 60 days to complete onboarding training required for non-elected members.
'I've only served on the board for a week, and I'm proud to say that the support that I have is second to none,' Patterson said. 'This board is what leadership looks like, and I'm proud that I have the opportunity to work with them as we move Bremen High School District 228 forward.'
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