board of education being inducted

At a recent regularly scheduled meeting, an investiture ceremony saw James (Jimmy) Cordes, Katherine (Katie) Kelly, Adele Propst, and Errick Stringfellow sworn in by Judge Luciano Panici as members of the Chicago Heights School District 170 Board of Education.

"I am honored to welcome Jim, Katherine, Adele, and Errick to the Board of Education," said Superintendent Tom Amadio.

"I look forward to working closely with them to continue providing our students and communities with the finest possible school district experience."

Cordes, a CHSD170 graduate, and a retired sergeant with 32-years of service on the Chicago Heights Police Department, has been a Board member since 2005 and currently serves as Vice-President.

"I will strive to make sure that our students and staff have everything needed to receive the best possible education," Cordes said.

"During my tenure on the Board, we have implemented physical improvements to neighborhood schools, and planned and built the new Chicago Heights Middle School. We sought no increases in taxes while completing those initiatives, and I pledge to continue and maintain that degree of fiscal responsibility."

Kelly, a resident of Chicago Heights for 40 years, received her Certified Nursing Assistant and Dialysis Technician Certifications from Prairie State College. She currently serves as Manager of the Senior Department at Bloom Township Center. A trained SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) counselor for Medicare recipients, Kelly also closely addresses client services and citizen concerns.

"As a newly elected School Board member, my goal is to make sure we address the diverse needs of our students and staff, reach our educational goals, and keep our schools on track," Kelly stated.

"I will work hard to communicate with our community to achieve success in School District 170 while carrying out what is best for all of our students. Through communication and teamwork, I believe that we will continue to achieve great things for our district."

Propst is a lifelong resident of Chicago Heights. A graduate of Bloom High School, she attended Echol's International Travel and Hotel School. Married with two children, Propst also serves as a Trustee for the Chicago Heights Public Library and as the PTO President at Greenbriar Elementary School.

"I am very passionate about the City of Chicago Heights and I love to be involved in our community," Propst said.

"It is my ambition to be more than just a member of the Board of Education. I am committed to representing the best interests of the children of our district and will endeavor to ensure that every child has the opportunities and services they deserve while receiving the best possible education."

Stringfellow also is a graduate of the district. He has worked for 12 years as a member of the City of Chicago Heights Public Works Department, and as an office manager/ 311 Call Center supervisor.

“Like my fellow newly sworn-in members of the Board of Education, I will do everything I can to help our district be the best it can be,” Stringfellow said.