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Chicago Tribune
25-03-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
John Swanson, former OPRF superintendent, dies at 96
John Swanson was superintendent of Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 from 1974 until 1987, and worked to maintain the traditions of the school while taking an empathetic approach to student discipline, according to colleagues. Swanson, 96, died of kidney disease Feb. 21 at the Johnson Health Care Center at the Covenant Living at Windsor Park retirement community in Carol Stream, said his daughter, Kathryn Soneson. John Charles Swanson was born and raised in Rockford, and graduated from East High School in Rockford. He received a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College in 1949 and subsequently a master's and a Ph.D. in education from Northwestern University. From 1952 until 1957, Swanson taught and was a dean at Wheaton Academy in West Chicago, where he also coached basketball. He then returned to his alma mater, East High School in Rockford, where he was a counselor and an assistant principal, before becoming principal of the newly opened Guilford High School in Rockford. In 1969, became an assistant superintendent for curriculum in the Deerfield Highland Park High School District, a post he held until taking over as superintendent of the Oak Park and River Forest High School District. As Swanson saw the school district's student body becoming more diverse, he hired the district's first-ever African American administrator, Larry Walker, in 1982. Walker's title was associate superintendent, but he essentially functioned as Oak Park and River Forest High School's principal. 'Jack was the most caring administrator that I've ever known or even the most caring human being I've ever known. He was just good at everything, and he was so sensitive and down-to-earth with everything,' said Walker, who now is based near Las Vegas. 'He pushed me to be the best I could be.' Swanson created a variety of initiatives as superintendent, including, at Walker's urging, a student assembly to recognize Martin Luther King. Swanson also created human relations awards for students based on their kindness toward others, complete with a recognition breakfast. Swanson also brought all staff — not just teachers but custodians and cafeteria workers — to a conference on the day before school started, to place everyone on the same page, Walker said. Don Vogel, the district's former media coordinator, recalled Swanson's organizational skills as well as his penchant for a personal touch, such as sending staff handwritten notes for accomplishments. David Hanson, a District 200 board member during the latter part of Swanson's tenure, remembered Swanson as an empathetic leader. 'In student punishment issues, students would come and appear before the board, and we, including Jack, had the feeling in so many cases that we're sorry we have to punish the students — we wish we could punish the parents,' Hanson said. 'It's a perspective that comes from viewing people as human beings and analyzing them and developing your feelings that way.' In 1982, District 200 learned that its chief custodian, 23-year district employee Reinhold Kulle, had been a Nazi who worked at the Gross-Rosen concentration camp during World War II. Kulle had covered up that fact on his visa application to come to the U.S., The situation drew headlines, and the District 200 board in January 1984 dismissed Kulle, who had been an exemplary employee, under a deal in which he agreed to take early retirement from the district that summer. Three years later, he was deported to Germany. 'Jack would always recognize the best features in any other human being, and when we dealt with the Reinhold Kulle situation, there was only one way to go — to dismiss him,' Hanson said. 'But Jack had sympathies with Reinhold, as did many of the faculty members, because he was looking at it from the human side, not from the board side, in that analysis.' After retiring as superintendent in 1987, Swanson was an interim school superintendent for districts in River Forest and Rockford, and he also volunteered for Circle Urban Ministries, Lawndale Community Development Corp. and Lawndale Christian Health Center on the West Side. He also worked with the group World Relief to help refugees acclimate to the U.S., and he and his first wife spent a year on a Christian mission in Manila. Swanson's first wife, Ellie, died in 2004 after 54 years of marriage. His second wife, retired Wheaton College professor Zondra Lindblade, died in 2022. In addition to his daughter, Swanson is survived by a son, Robert; a brother, Armour; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A visitation will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday,at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 29W260 Batavia Road in Warrenville, with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
Associated Press
16-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Empowering Ventura County's Future Workforce: Hospitality Bridges Education and Industry
Ventura County Lodging Association Partners with Oxnard Union High School District to Build a Stronger Local Workforce 'It broadens their perspectives and allows them to envision a future where their passions and talents can thrive in meaningful careers. The engagement from local businesses makes all the difference.' — Debra Gallagher, Oxnard Union School District VENTURA, CA, UNITED STATES, March 16, 2025 / / -- This week, students from the Oxnard Union High School District shared their experiences from Ventura County Hospitality Week (January 27–31, 2025) at the Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA) Board of Directors meeting. As a key partner in the event, VCLA collaborated with the school district to connect students with hotels across the region, where industry leaders led behind-the-scenes property tours. This year, students also participated in hands-on workshops, where they created digital marketing campaigns to promote the destination to potential visitors. During the board meeting, they reflected on their experiences and presented the results of the campaigns they developed. This collaboration between education and industry demonstrated the powerful impact of immersive experiences in shaping career aspirations. Board members and partners saw firsthand how these experiences expanded students' understanding of the diverse career paths in hospitality, inspiring many to consider a future in tourism. 'I had such a welcoming experience, and it really inspired me to pursue a path toward a marketing role. I loved working on the social media campaign and learning how I could grow into a career like that. It was so much fun and truly eye-opening!' -Diamond Merrill, Culinary Student at Rio Mesa High School The success of Ventura County Hospitality Week goes beyond a single event—it's a movement to bridge the gap between industry, education, and workforce development. VCLA, also known as Ventura County Coast (VCC), is helping to create a skilled and diverse workforce that supports Ventura County's tourism sector. In Ventura County, the hospitality and tourism industry play a pivotal role in the local economy, contributing $1.87 billion in visitor spending, $162 million in tax revenue, and supporting nearly 17,000 jobs. This sector serves as a cornerstone for the county's economic vitality. By connecting students with meaningful, career-building experiences, VCLA is helping to shape the future of the industry. 'This is an incredible opportunity for our students to see the hospitality industry in action. It broadens their perspectives and allows them to envision a future where their passions and talents can thrive in meaningful careers. The engagement from local businesses makes all the difference in showing students that they belong in this industry.' -Debra Gallagher, Oxnard Union School District Career Technical Education Program and Hospitality Industry Specialist Students didn't just observe the action—they took an active role. Working alongside VCLA's Director of Marketing and Communications, Dave Lion, as well as the Communications and PR Specialist, Kristal Silva, students developed and launched live digital marketing and social media campaigns, gaining real-world skills in tourism marketing. They also participated in professional development activities, including networking opportunities, professional headshots, and workshops. These activations were designed to support and ensure students developed tangible skills for their future careers. 'The future of our industry starts with the opportunities we create today. Strengthening our workforce means investing in the next generation, giving them a seat at the table and a chance to see the industry in action. I encourage business leaders to partner with schools or youth organizations, invite students in, and offer hands-on experiences that showcase the diverse career opportunities in hospitality, travel, and tourism. By providing real-world exposure and mentorship, we're not just building a workforce—we are shaping the next generation of leaders.' -Brian Tucker, CEO and President of Ventura County Lodging Association While VCLA plays a pivotal role in driving visitation to the region, the organization is also shaping the future of hospitality through workforce development initiatives. By partnering with hoteliers, local businesses, and educators, VCLA is helping prepare the next generation for careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. As more partners join this effort, its impact will grow, further establishing Ventura County as a hub for talent, innovation, and opportunity. For press photography, click here. About Ventura County Coast: Ventura County Coast (VCC) is where California's relaxed coastal charm meets endless adventure. Encompassing the cities of Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, and Port Hueneme, VCC invites travelers to experience wide-open beaches, incredible year-round weather, and a welcoming atmosphere just an hour north of Los Angeles. Follow VCC on Instagram at @venturacountycoast or visit Kristal Silva TikTok YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
9 candidates vie for 4 seats on Rich Township District 227 Board
Nine candidates, including three incumbents, are seeking election to four 4-year seats on the Rich Township High School District 227 Board April 1. With proficiency scores across the district consistently below the state average, according to the Illinois State Board of Education, academic improvement is a top priority for many candidates. Board member Tiffany Taylor, seeking a second term, said the district has provided great facilities for students over the past several years. After announcing in 2019 it would close Rich East High School in Park Forest, the district poured millions of dollars into renovating its other two schools. The former Rich South, located in Richton Park, reopened as the Fine Arts and Communications Campus, and the former Rich Central in Olympia Fields is now the STEM, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics, campus. 'We're focusing now on the academic side,' Taylor said Monday. Taylor said the district has made slow progress on academics over the past several years. Between 2020 and 2024, the percentage of ninth graders on track to graduate jumped from 76% to 89%, according to data from ISBE. The 4-year graduation rate also rose from about 82% to 85% during the same period. The district lags in proficiency scores for English/language arts, math and science, which are assessed each year. Last year, 10% of Rich Township 227 students were assessed to be proficient in English/language arts, compared to 39% of students across Illinois. In math, about 4% of students were proficient, compared to 28% statewide, and in science, 26% were proficient compared to 53% statewide, ISBE reported. 'We are making strides,' Taylor said. 'It's a slow motion type of thing. It's not something that's going to happen overnight.' Taylor is running as part of a slate that includes board members Andre Allen and Mia Carter as well as former board member Cheryl Monique Coleman. Taylor said Coleman's former seat was up for election two years ago, but Coleman chose not to seek reelection for personal reasons. Others seeking election this year include Petrina Bennett-Wilkins, Mason B. Newell, Jasmin S. Ford, Shagmond Lowery and Marla D. Johnson. Lowery said he is running after a unsuccessful bid to bring a fresh perspective. A Rich Township High Schools alumnus and retired teacher, he said as a board member he would better engage the community in helping students succeed. Lowery said he worked with neighboring schools to prevent bullying, fighting and school threats via an alert system he developed, MyPAL Schools, to share data on reported incidents. He said he also visits area districts to mentor students and prevent violence. 'The culture has to be changed,' Lowery said about District 227. He said as someone who lives in the community and is active at school events, he believes he has the respect and admiration of many students that will serve him well. 'I'm coming to keep these babies safe — I'm coming to make a difference with school safety,' Lowery said. Petrina Bennett-Jackson, an alumae, also looks to improve safety and test scores. Bennett-Jackson said Tuesday the board has misplaced priorities and electing her would help fix the district's 'horrible reputation.' 'I would love to have better communication,' Bennett-Jackson said. 'I would love for more people to attend the meetings and speak up on what's going on in the schools and in the community and what we can do to collaborate, to work together.' Bennett-Jackson said working as a finance director for Cook County puts her in an especially strong position to abate property taxes that have soared to record highs in the south suburbs. 'Our taxes are high, and it's getting out of control,' Bennett-Jackson said. 'You have people moving out of the community. You have businesses moving out of the community, and we need to bring those businesses back.' She said she would work to get more community grants and bonds to cover district projects rather than relying on homeowners in the community. Lowery also said he wants to lower taxes for homeowners, and as board member would leverage business partnerships he has developed through MyPAL Schools to bring funding in without relying on homeowners. Lowery also wants to partner with businesses rather than out-of-state vendors to revitalize and, in turn, benefit the schools. Taylor said the district has saved homeowners $23 million through state property tax relief grants, which abate $2.5 million each year. She said as overall costs and worker salaries increase, taxes inevitably go up as well. She said it's important the district continues to be fiscally responsible in order to minimize that extra burden. Besides Lowery and Bennett-Jackson, district alumni running for board seats are Newell and Ford. The two candidates are running together with goals to similarly foster community engagement, minimize taxes and boost academic achievement. 'We are proud products of this community, and we are deeply invested in its success,' their website states. 'Our unique blend of expertise in education, health care and mental health equips us to tackle the challenges facing our district … Together, we can create a district that reflects the strength and potential of our community.' Newell, Ford, Coleman, Johnson, Carter and Allen did not respond to requests for comment by the Daily Southtown. ostevens@
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Schools at the Jersey Shore to receive $11M more in aid from Trenton
Public schools across Monmouth and Ocean counties will receive $11.5 million more in state aid this year, according to figures released Thursday by the New Jersey Department of Education. Schools across both counties are set to receive $519 million from Trenton for the 2025-26 school year. Some districts here saw large increases in their state aid packages, including Barnegat (up $1.4 million), Keansburg (nearly $1.5 million) and Lakewood ($1.6 million). Other public schools saw major cuts, such as Long Branch (down $1.3 million) and the Freehold Regional High School District (down $916,000). This year, state officials said they tweaked the state aid formula, which has been widely criticized for being unpredictable and having wild swings in funding. That lack of predictability made it difficult for New Jersey schools to prepare their annual budgets. For the vast majority of schools, state officials set limits for the first time on how far state aid could swing compared to last year's numbers. Increases were kept to 6% or less while decreases were limited to no more than 3%, in most cases, Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said Thursday during a meeting with reporters. "It's no secret that this was a tough budget year for the state, but over the last eight years, Gov. (Phil) Murphy has ensured that the public education system remains at the forefront of his priorities for New Jersey, and this budget is no different," Dehmer told reporters. Across New Jersey, Murphy increased aid to schools by $385 million, for a total of $12.1 billion for the coming school year, according to his staff. The money will help education the state's roughly 1.4 million public school students. At the Central Regional School District in Berkeley Township, Superintendent Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder and Business Administrator Kevin O'Shea were pleased to see their aid package increase. State support to Central Regional will increase by $1 million, about 18% higher than last year's allocation, according to state figures released Thursday. "We are very pleased to get this additional state aid given the economic factors that we're facing, including large anticipated cost increases for electric, natural gas, and employee health insurance," they said in an email to the Asbury Park Press. Central Regional has also seen an increase in the district's population of low-income and English learner students, which has affected the school budget, said CarneyRay-Yoder and O'Shea. The district also receives state money as part of an interdistrict public school choice program, they said. Aid for school choice programs — as well as for students with parents in the military, county vocational schools and money needed to ensure students receive an adequate education — can lead to aid packages that exceed the 6% increase cap and 3% aid reduction limit, according to a spokesman for the Department of Education. At Toms River Regional School District, which is set to receive $1.6 million more state aid than last year, Superintendent Michael Citta said the coming school year will still be painful for students and staff. The aid package is not nearly enough to close a looming budget hole, he said. "We're still projecting a $22 million deficit next year" due to years of previous state aid cuts, Citta said in a phone call with the Press. "This (additional money) doesn't even put a little dent into the crisis that is our financial fiscal cliff." School districts are limited in how quickly they can increase local taxes for education, due to a state-mandated 2% cap on tax levy increases. However, some districts that are paying far less than what the state considers their fair share of school costs will be afforded some "flexibility" to exceed the local tax levy cap, said Dehmer, the state education commissioner. In doing so, those districts will also be eligible for some additional state funding. Details of that program, including which schools would be eligible, are expected to be released later this year, he said. Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 17 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@ or 732-557-5701. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore schools see aid increase, but others face large cuts
Chicago Tribune
14-02-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Community steps up to support Chicago Heights family after fire claims their home
Members of a Chicago Heights family who lost their home in a January fire say the community has rallied behind them. Kirby Van Vliet woke to a faint smell of smoke in the air just before 8 a.m. Jan. 9. At first, he thought it might be a problem with the electrical system. 'I looked down the stairs, I see an orange glow out of my vision. And at that point I can feel the heat. I'm like, OK, there's not something on fire, the house is on fire,' Kirby recalled. With his family already out of the house headed to work and school, he was alone and still recovering from a heart transplant. Unable to reach the front door due to the flames, Kirby barricaded himself in his son's room and called 911. Because his body had not fully acclimated to the new heart, he wasn't able to climb out of the window on his own, and was rescued by firefighters. But the blaze destroyed their home, he said, and claimed the lives of their two dogs, Dozer and Zeus. After the fire, Kirby, his wife, Danielle Van Vliet, and their two 13-year-old children, Darby and Chance, moved between a hotel and an Airbnb before finally settling into a rental home in Homewood. They are thankful they survived and relieved Danielle, a general education social worker for Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233, was at work and their children were at school when the fire broke out. But Kirby and Danielle said the past year has been incredibly challenging. Kirby's heart issues began about seven years ago, following a severe case of bronchitis complicated by a virus that further damaged his heart. The virus left him with a dangerously low ejection fraction, meaning his heart struggled to pump blood at a normal rate, he said. For years, Kirby lived with medically controlled congestive heart failure, but by early 2024, his condition worsened and he was having a difficult time breathing. After a trip to the emergency room in February, doctors told him he would need a heart transplant. In April, he received a new heart. But the hardships didn't stop. In October, Danielle was mauled by one of their dogs and needed two surgeries to repair her hand, she said. Then Kirby's mother died just four days after the fire destroyed their home. Still, the couple remains grateful for the outpouring of support from their community, including their workplaces, local businesses and even strangers who created their GoFundMe page and offered donations of clothes, money and household goods. 'We've been blessed to have been in multiple different communities that we've served and helped and nurtured, and just being good people in, and our kids are good kids, and all these different communities that we're part of just started pouring in help,' Kirby said. 'We did a GoFundMe. We had an initial goal. Hit that in two hours, and then it tripled that goal within the next 10 days.' The GoFundMe, started after the fire, has raised close to $24,000. 'My whole career has been spent finding resources for people and you never realize like, how those resources work or don't work until you're in a position to have to use them,' Danielle said. Kirby, who works part-time as a wrestling ring announcer for Freelance Wrestling in Chicago, said the company supported them by posting their GoFundMe page on social media and holding a raffle, raising $1,200 for the Van Vliet family. Freelance Wrestling plans another benefit show in August, he said. Following a similar event last July, after Kirby's heart transplant surgery, the company raised more than $8,000 to help him offset medical costs from the procedure, according to Freelance Wrestling's Facebook page. Danielle, Kirby, and their children have accumulated sentimental belongings over the years that were lost in the fire, things they can't easily replace. 'We just have stuff that's really, really sentimental to us,' he said. 'Everyone's Christmas gifts are gone. You have two 13-year-olds, their favorite clothes are gone. They both play instruments. Those are gone. Darby had a memory box under their bed that's gone and then I've been a collector for all my life. I have dozens, if not hundreds, of autographs. Most of the people are dead, I'll never replace them.' Craig Frank, who owns The Rock Shop in Homewood with his fiancée, Laura Bruni, said they plan to help restock Darby and Chance's book collections. Frank first learned about the loss of their home when Danielle came into the shop, which sells an array of books, records and crystals, browsing for books and stones. 'She was sort of picking out a couple of books that the kids had been, maybe not treasured, but things that they read over and over, different things that they were interested in, just to sort of take their minds off of what had happened,' Frank said. 'And she still seemed a little numb, still in a little shock.' Frank said he had hoped to raise donations at the Words and Music event Feb. 2 at Thornton Distilling Co., but the donation table was not visible enough at the event and attendees skipped over it. Still, the store owners plan to have the teens come by to pick out books from the store and hope to do another event to raise money for the family. 'It's not a 100% substitution, but at least it's something,' Frank said. As the Van Vliet's work to recoup what they lost and regain stability, Danielle and Kirby said despite their hardships, they are grateful for the support of the communities they live and work in. 'We've helped a lot of people, and so a lot of people decided to help us,' Kirby said.
