Riverside D96 Board Bios

MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERS

WESLEY MUIRHEID
President

"It is rewarding as a Board member, knowing that I had a part in bringing the resources needed to the students in our district to give them as many advantages and opportunities for success as possible. We strive to give each student in District 96 an equal education so they can become successful adults and engaged citizens."

My Role and Goals

Be the voice of the board by responding to questions and comments submitted to the board.
Facilitate trust amongst board members with open and honest conversation.
Oversee transparency and execution of the District 5-year plan.
Ask questions that ensure clear understanding of topics brought to the board so we make informed decisions on how we use all our resources.

JOEL P. MARHOUL
VICE PRESIDENT

“We negotiated a fair contract with the teachers. We continue to maintain our facilities responsibly and add some significant improvements without a tax increase. And with the cooperation of the community, we manage to navigate Covid without too much frustration.”

My Role and Goals

The role of the school board is primarily oversight and confirmation of decision-making.
Ensure administration and staff are addressing immediate educational needs and growth while also successfully setting kids up for their next stage of education.
Help make important district decisions at an appropriate cost to the community.

STEPHANIE BASANEZ GUNN
BOARD SECRETARY

“I will always be proud of the fact that I served on the board that helped bring full-day Kindergarten to fruition. That said, credit goes to the hard work of the kindergarten action team and our amazing educators. The community also played a vital role in this accomplishment through their involvement in the process and sharing their opinions with the board.”

My Role and Goals

Preserve and improve the quality of our school system for current and future students.
Be a conduit for the concerns and interests of the community.
Passionate about Strategic Plan goals focused on equity and inclusion.
Support learners in building their understanding of cultural awareness, diversity & inclusion.

DAVID BARSOTTI
BOARD MEMBER

“The most rewarding part of being on the school board is seeing how our students grow. It is wonderful seeing how the district’s efforts improve our student experiences. I am most excited about the implementation of full-day kindergarten and completing a multi-million-dollar facilities project without needing a referendum."

My Role and Goals

Oversee the review of the district finances as chair of the finance committee.
Provide input and guidance on technology used in the district.
Work to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for all children.
Support the teachers and administrators to continually improve the quality of our schools.

SALINA CLAPS
BOARD MEMBER

"District 96 serves a wonderful community, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to elevate the community’s perspective alongside my fellow board members to impact financial policy, curriculum development, and resource allocation."

My Role and Goals

Passionate about the education of District 96’s students, accountable for ensuring our administration and educators are empowered and well-resourced.
Thoughtful and continuous evaluation of progress in our strategic plan.
Successfully create environments that inspire a love of learning and parent engagement.

Dan Hunt
BOARD MEMBER

“In my nearly six years as a board member, I have seen the district make good progress in academics, in its reputation as a great place to work and in the physical plant that we share with the community. It’s humbling to have had a small role in this progress. This gives me inspiration to look forward to the even greater accomplishments that lie ahead of us.”

My Role and Goals

Facilitate trust and honest communication among all board members.
Represent the board to the community’s questions.
As a board member, be transparent on how we arrive at our decisions.
Ask questions about the district’s progress against its strategic goals.
Be mindful of why and how the taxpayer’s money is spent.

Marlowe DJURIC Kachlic
BOARD MEMBER

"As a parent of students in District 96, I couldn't be happier with the individualized support, attention, and guidance and seeing our kids grow. Serving on the board is a way to give back to the administrators and educators who put our community's children's best interests first. I was fortunate to have been a parent representative on the Strategic Planning Committee. The Strategic Plan is an excellent illustration of the district's dedication and commitment to our students."

My Role and Goals

Ensure that the district's strategic plans make students and families feel included in their schools and the district
Support teachers and staff by ensuring they have what they need so that students in our district can thrive

created with

WYSIWYG Web Builder .