on Thursday swore in its newest member, 15-year resident Mark Franceschini, 46, of Mokena.
Franceschini replaces Frank Ventura, who resigned in September due to health concerns.
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Franceschini was one of four nominees to replace Ventura, board President John Troy said. A frequent attendee of board meetings, Franceschini said his decision to apply was due to what he described as the board's change in direction in recent months.
"I like the direction the board's going and I want to help it continue in that direction," Franceschini said.
Franceschini cited two recent board actions as particularly encouraging to him: and .
Franceschini is a 15-year resident of Mokena and father of three daughters who went through District 159 schools. His two youngest still attend .
Citing Franceschini's technological expertise, board member Scott Peters stepped down from his position on the Technology Committee to make way for Franceschini's appointment. Franceschini is a business programmer analyst for Southern Wine and Spirits of Illinois.
One decision Franceschini hasn't made if he'll run for the seat in 2013, when Ventura's term was to expire.
"If I make a decisive impact and can be of service, I will," he said.
