Mandatory Board Member Training

In accordance with Section 10-16a of the School Code, Board members are required to complete professional development leadership training covering the topics of education law, labor law, financial oversight and accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities. This training also satisfies the requirement in Section 24-16.5 of the School Code that board members must complete training on Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) evaluations prior to participating in a vote on a dismissal based on an optional alternative evaluation dismissal process. The following District 37 Board of Education members have completed the professional development leadership and PERA training:

Louise Dechovitz, Vice President
Dr. Sumitrajit Dhar, President
Gil Gibori
Dr. Gretchen Witte Glader 
Dan Seals



Board members in office on January 1, 2012, are required to complete Open Meetings Act training within one year of that date. Board members taking office after January 1, 2012, must complete this training no later than 90 days after taking the oath of office. The following District 37 Board of Education members have completed the Open Meetings Act Training:

Dr. Desai Das
Louise Dechovitz, Vice President
Dr. Sumitrajit Dhar, President
Gil Gibori
Dr. Gretchen Witte Glader 
Dan Seals



Board members who are elected after June 13, 2011, or who are appointed to fill a vacancy of at least one year's duration after June 13, 2011; must complete Professional Development Leadership training by June 13, 2012, or within the first year of the board member's first term. This training includes education and labor law, financial oversight and accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities. The following District 37 Board of Education members have completed the Professional Development Leadership training:

Louise Dechovitz, Vice President
Dr. Sumitrajit Dhar, President
Gil Gibori
Dr. Gretchen Witte Glader 
Dan Seals



The Basics of Governance is an essential course on board and board member roles and responsibilities and learning how high-functioning boards make a positive impact on student learning in their districts. Though not required by the Illinois Association of School Boards, it is recommended that every newly-elected or appointed school board complete this training within 90 days of taking the oath of office. The following District 37 Board of Education members have completed the Basics of Governance training:

Dr. Desai Das
Louise Dechovitz, Vice President
Dr. Sumitrajit Dhar, President
Gil Gibori
Dr. Gretchen Witte Glader 
Dan Seals