ZUPON, CARTER AND COLEMAN MEET AND GREET SAUK VILLAGE VOTERS

ZUPON, CARTER AND COLEMAN

by Steve LaRock

SAUK VILLAGE |  The People United for Progress party candidates hosted a very successful Meet and Greet Sunday afternoon at American Family Restaurant for about 30 or so residents and voters.  Village Trustees Beth Zupon and Ronald Carter were joined by newcomer Arnold Coleman each seeking a seat on the Village Board of Trustees on April 2nd.  

Trustee Beth Zupon spoke about her credentials and experience and the need to “continue the progress that we have started”.  Zupon listed the accomplishments that the current administration has made in less than two years and is proud to have been part of that progress.  Zupon said there is much more work to be done and she asked for the residents support.  Zupon has been a resident of Sauk Village for some 19 years, is employed as Vice President of a major investment bank, and served as Village Clerk for Sauk Village has volunteered for numerous community events and most recently the last two years as Village Trustee.

Trustee Ronald P. Carter, III spoke about his credentials and experience and the need to stay focused and continue economic development.  Carter believes that new business will spur more revenues for the Village.  Carter has over 30 years in law enforcement having served in the Cook County Department of Corrections and a former Chief of Police.   Carter was appointed in 2018 to the Village Board of Trustees by Mayor Derrick Burgess.

Trustee candidate Arnold Coleman speaks with a resident

Trustee candidate Arnold Coleman spoke about his work experience in the legal field and how he transitioned from a “volunteer” to a candidate for Trustee.  Coleman said he supports the Strategic Plan for Progress and applauds the progress that has been made thus far.  Coleman currently serves on the Village’s Senior Citizen Advisory Council and also on the Advisory Committee for the Village’s Comprehensive Plan.  Coleman has also volunteered for many community events.

Zupon, Carter and Coleman are keeping their campaign positive and focusing on progress and how they will help with moving the Village forward.  “There has been too much negativity in Sauk Village and these three are the best hope we have for our future” a long-time resident said.  Zupon responded that there is too much misinformation on social media perpetuated by a few individuals and that she avoids that when possible.  Carter agreed there is far too much negativity from the other campaigns including racial references to “golden ghetto” and candidates who live in certain areas of the Village.  “Does it matter where one lives?  We still are subject to the same rules, regulations, policies and procedures; we still have potholes, the same crime, and the same problems.  It is nothing but a way to divide our community” Carter later said. 

Trustee Ronald Carter speaking to the residents

Zupon spoke about the Strategic Plan for Progress that she voted for and supports and how that has become a roadmap to the success this administration has had.  Zupon spoke about the progress the Village has made with maintaining vacant homes and working with the South Suburban Land Bank and other entities.  “There is a lot of work still needing to be done, but we cannot stop the progress we have made thus far” Zupon said. 

Zupon introduced School Board candidates for School District 168 which included current School Board President Tammy Jones and Sharon Archie-Davenport who both spoke about their achievements for the district.  RaDonna Brown also spoke about what she hopes to bring to the School Board if elected.  Brandie Jackson-Williams was also invited to attend, however, was unable to due to personal commitment she had. 

Dr. Octavia Altheimer who is a candidate for Prairie State College Board spoke about what she hopes to bring to the College Board.  Altheimer, a Veteran spoke about her service “in the trenches” and said she is not afraid to get in the trenches again for the taxpayers.   

Also in attendance were Mayor Derrick Burgess, Village Trustees Cecial Tates, who did not seek re-election, Rodrick Grant and Village Clerk Marva Campbell Pruitt.

American Family Restaurant

School Board President Tammy Jones

School Board Candidate RaDonna Brown

School Board Member Sharon Archie-Davenport

  

NO STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY... NO MORE WILLIAMS DUO

Trustee Rosie Williams reading during a Village Board
Meeting on Tuesday, January 26 th night as a fellow
Trustee is speaking

OPINION EDITORIAL
SAUK VILLAGER STAFF

Let’s recap this last couple weeks shall we.  Let’s look at the pattern of arrogance and entitlement and you can be the judge.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016:          CONFUSION & ACCUSATIONS… Village Trustees Ed Myers and Rosie Williams engage in a debate on students of District 168 and how atrocious their reading skills are during Student Government Day in the past.  Rosie Williams even goes as far as to say that she believes teachers of District 168 might be helping students write their essays.

Monday, January 25, 2016:          ACCUSATION & DISRESPECT… School District 168 holds their regular school board meeting, Village Clerk Debbie Williams attends and has a meltdown.  Williams accuses students and teachers of academic plagiarism to get selected for Student Government Day.  Williams disrespected the entire School Board by storming out of the meeting but not before saying “I don’t have to sit here and listen to this shit…”.  Village Trustee Ed Myers apologizes for Williams disrespectful actions and for his comments made Tuesday.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016:          DISRESPECT… School Board President Philip Bazile is disrespected by Mayor David Hanks as he attends a Village Board meeting and Hanks does not allow Bazile to address the Village Board.

Wednesday, Januay 27, 2016:    DISRESPECT… School Board President Bazile calls a special Meeting for Friday to discuss the relationship between the Village and School District.

Friday, January 29, 2016:               APPROPRIATE ACTION! Village Clerk Debbie Williams, Trustee Rosie Williams and a handful of their supporters attend the School Board’s Special Meeting.  School Board members Bazile, Marva Campbell-Pruitt, Sharon Davenport, Tammy Jones, Jimo Kasali and Deloris Green agree that School District 168 will not participate in Student Government Day.  The sister to the Mayor David Hanks, Mary (Hanks) Howard is the only one to disagree and wanted the district to participate.

The time for change is now!  Trustee Rosie Williams, and by extension her mama Village Clerk Debbie Williams have ruled Student Government Day for 10 long years now.  The Mayor and Trustees are often scolded before Student Government Day to behave themselves.  Why do grown adults need to be disrespected and told that they need to behave?  Seems like the child telling her parents what they need to do!

It’s time for change now!  Rosie Williams and her mama Debbie Williams need to be replaced so that new ideas, new concepts a new direction for Student Government Day can evolve!  As the School Board said Friday night new guidelines need to be established and work between the two body’s Intergovernmental Relation Committees needs to happen!   I believe one nonstarter is to have the Williams duo heading up any future Student Government Day events!

SCHOOL BOARD WILL HAVE NEW FACES

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  Lost in the shadows of the Village Trustees election Tuesday night was School District 168 Board race.  There were 4 seats up for grabs Tuesday night and at stake control of the School Board, which appears by the results of this election will certainly change.

Marva Campbell-Pruitt, who ran unsuccessfully for Village Clerk in 2013 has come back strong with a decisive victory Tuesday night over challenger Latonya West.  West was supported by incumbent Board President Sharon Davenport and her Team Davenport.  Campbell-Pruitt will replace Maxine Towers, wife of former Mayor Lewis Towers, who did not seek election and was appointed as an interim appointment following the abrupt resignation of Melvin Stevenson this past November. 

Davenport herself was successful in her re-elected to a second term Tuesday night, but is not likely going hold on to the Presidency following the School Board’s reorganization.  Current Board Vice President Tammy Jones won re-election garnering the most votes in which only some 620 votes were cast as many just came to the polls to vote for Village Trustee. 

The third four-year seat was apparently lost by incumbent Sene Garrett to newcomer Philip Bazile by just a small 13 vote margin.  There were about 11 absentee ballots and a few provisional ballots that will take the Cook County Clerk’s office some time to sort through before official results are posted. 

It’s likely that both Davenport and Jones will not retain the office of President and Vice President.  “It doesn’t matter, it’s always been about the children of the district and that’s what matters most” Davenport said late Tuesday night.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of School District 168.  I wish the School Board members good luck” Garrett said.

Unofficial Election Results

4 Year Term (3 Elected)
Sharon Davenport (i)     357*
Tammy Jones (i)               377*
Sene Garrett (i)                 303
Philip Bazile                        316
Sandra Isom                       296

2 Year Term (elect 1)

Latonya West                    247
Marva Campbell-Pruitt 376*

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES- Meet Sharon Archie-Davenport

(This is the third in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  Some did, some did not.  We will provide you a look at each candidate during this week.)

SHARON ARCHIE-DAVENPORT

Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member


EDITOR'S NOTE:
Sharon Archie-Davenport has been an active member of the community previously having been elected to School District 168 School Board in 2011 where she served as Board Secretary and following the 2013 election and reorganization of the Board, Archie-Davenport was elected President.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. (Note:  This information was provided by the candidate.  We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the views of the candidate which are their own):

Sharon Archie-Davenport was named President of the Community Consolidated School District 168 in May 2013.  Previously, Mrs. Davenport served as District 168 School Board Secretary from 2011-2013.

She is an Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Master Board Member. She has received several awards and certificates of appreciation, member on the 2014 Illinois Joint Annual Conference Proposal Review Committee, and serves on the IASB Governing and Executive Board as Director At Large for the South Cook County Region and she is a former member of School District 168 Parent Advisory Committee. School District 168 received its first ever State of Illinois Good Governance Recognition Award during her tenure as President.

Sharon also serves on several civic and charitable committees including: SV Trustee Derrick Burgess Intergovernmental Committee and Trustee Lynda Washington Citizens for Informative Dialogue. She is a former Chair of CEDA Head-Start Parent Committee at the Yates location.

Sharon has led major efforts resulting in increased student achievement and significant improvements in teaching, learning, staff professional development, and school status. Her central work focused on equity and rigor by establishing Data Coordinators to help assess students and curriculum delivery, increase students test scores by implementing Stride Academy, a reformed school dress code to place more emphasis on education and connecting with local, state, and federal officials to bring additional computers and laptops into the school district.

She has worked to upgrade the sound system to increase participation in performing arts, supported growth of school choirs, safe access to amenities and standard procedures for special need students, new uniforms for sports teams, replaced single district nurse with a nurse at each school, and installing the Raptor security system helping to provide every student, staff, and stakeholder safety when attending school or activities.

Sharon was instrumental in the transition to newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Donna S. Leak with former Superintendent Al Travaglini; as they, administration, and staff shared their experiences on sensitive topics relevant to the school and community, while keeping in mind their representation of Every Child, Every Day.

Sharon is looking forward to being re-elected to continue working with the Board, Superintendent, Local and State Officials to move the District forward in a well-rounded academic, social, and healthy future.  She supports education being driven using technology and state common core standards, enhancing performing arts and sports divisions, work hard to ensure students are getting a foundational educational experience that will increase test scores, healthy but edible food choices, the health safety of our buildings and providing the necessary tools needed by students and staff to promote all around success for all, while remaining financially sound. 

Sharon has been actively involved in the community since her family's arrival more than ten years ago. Sharon, a licensed minister and caterer regularly connecting with various community, state organizations and leaders to support growth and expansion for District 168 and Sauk Village. Sharon and Law Davenport have three children, one at each school Lawton, Laela, and Logan.

ELECTION UPDATE: SCHOOL BOARD CHALLENGES FAIL & NEW BOARD MEMBER EXPECTED

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  The School Board election for District 168 has taken a twist of events the last few weeks.  One Candidate has withdrawn 3 others successfully fought off challenges which would have removed them from the ballot.

Incumbents Board members Sharon Davenport, Tammy Jones and Sene Garrett along with newcomer Latonya West filed petitions to have their names on the April 7th ballot on the first day December 15^th.  West is seeking a 2 year unexpired term following the resignation of Melvin Stevenson in November.   Davenport, Jones, Garrett and West's petitions were not challenged but all other candidates faced unsucessful challenges.

Board members failed to make an appointment to replace Stevenson by December 30th.  West’s name was the only name put forth for appointment following the unexpected resignation of Stevenson.  Actions to block West’s appointment were successfully carried out by Board Members Jimo Kasali, Deloris Green and Mary Howard, who is the sister to Mayor David Hanks.   The Executive Director of South Cook Intermediate Service Center Dr. Vanessa Kinder has the legal authority to appoint a “temporary” replacement to the seat vacated by Stevenson since the School Board failed to appoint a replacement.  The only issue is that the vacancy is only until the election outcome is determined so the person may only be there on a temporary basis.

"I am preparing to interview candidates for the vacant seat and I intend on making the appointment by the end of this month" Kinder said.  Kinder admitted that she is not mandated to appoint but it is her legal duty to do so.  "It would not be fair to the people of the district to have the seat vacant and decisions by the board not getting made" Kinder said.

Kinder did not identify who she would be interviewing for the vacancy but said "it is disappointing that the local board could not make a decision and that I am forced to appoint.  Decisions such as these should be made at the local level, but there is a provision when it can't be that it falls upon the person in this position" Kinder said.

Resident Larry Stewart filed objections to candidates which included Rachel Eastman, Phillip Bazile, husband of former School Board President and current McConathy Library Trustee Arleta Bazile and Sandra Isom who are seeking the 4 year terms.  Former Village Clerk Candidate Marva Campbell-Pruitt who is seeking the 2 year unexpired term was also considered to replace Aisa El-Amin who resigned last year.  Campbell-Pruitt put her name into consideration for the appointment to El-Amin’s vacant seat, however, was passed over for Garrett.

Stewart said he filed objections to ensure that those candidates who filed did so correctly.  “Look, when you run for office you’ve got to make sure you start out right.  It begins by making sure your papers work is in order” Stewart said.  “This is not politically motivated.  I know each of the people who are running.  It’s about following the rules” Stewart said.

Since the objections were filed, Eastman withdrew her name as a candidate and will not be on the ballot in April.  Eastman had obtained well over 100 signatures of registered voters to get her name on the ballot, only 50 are required.  “I just wanted to make a difference for the kids of the Village” Eastman said following her withdrawal.  “It seems that no matter what you do someone is going to be mad at you for doing something.  I had no idea that people would get so personal” Eastman said.  Eastman serves on the Neighborhood Watch Committee.

The electoral board, which use to rest with the local school boards has been moved to the jurisdiction of Cook County to expedite the handling of hearings and save the financially struggling school districts tens  of thousands of taxpayer dollars.  The Cook County Hearing Officer tossed out all challenges made by Stewart ensuring that all candidates, except Eastman who withdrew, will be on the ballot.

In the Village Trustees race, for the first time in many years no objections were filed.  The seats of Trustees Derrick Burgess, Jeff Morden and John Poskin are up for grabs in April.  Burgess, Morden and Poskin all filed nomination petitions seeking their old seats.  Poskin has never faced election for his seat but was appointed  twice by Hanks in 2012 and is currently the longest serving unelected Village Trustee.  Hoping to unseat them are controversial Housing Commission Chairman Gary Holcomb, and former School Board President and Retired Lieutenant Colonel Cecil Tates, Kelvin Jones and Danny Hammond, Jr.

"People of Sauk Village want change.  They are tired of this administration and the lack of direction" Hammond said. 

The two seats up for the Nancy L. McConathy Public Library are uncontested.

Hats Off to Dr. Leak and Davenport working together for kids

OPINION EDITORIAL
by Joseph Wiszowaty

Dr. Donna Leak came in as Superintendent of District 168 under a shadow of controversy but it seems that sunlight has been shining down on Sauk Village schools and Leak.

Seeing Board President Sharon Davenport working alongside Leak during the recent Back to School Bash this week spoke volumes!  Davenport was cookin it up at the grill along with a host of volunteers from the school district.  As the lines stretched on and on, they kept cooking!  Leak was engaging parents and children the entire time.  Also good to see other board members Sene Garrett, Tammy Jones and Mary Howard there as well.

Leak has been working hard kicking off the school year along with at least some of her board members.  Noticeably absent from the Back to School event were the two board members who actually voted for Leak, Deloris Green and Jimo Kasali.  In fact, where were you both?  Being a school board or any elected official requires you to participate in the community besides attending board meetings. 

 

Also this week, Dr. Leak honored some old school alumi from the 1960s.  Kerry Pardue came to Sauk Village and spoke at his old Junior High School.  No not Rickover, it wasn’t even there when he graduated 8^th grade in 1962, although he did speak to the kids at Rickover too.  Pardue donated 2 oil paintings on behalf of the class of 1962 from Strassburg Junior High School.

Thus far I’m impressed with the actions of Dr. Donna Leak, honoring our past and working hard toward engaging the children and the parents of the future.  Good job Dr. Leak and to Board President Sharon Davenport who clearly are focused on the children of the district.  Keep up the good work! 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the hard work and contributions of so many behind the scenes who contributed to the success of the Back to School Bash including Jeremiah Johnson and the host of teachers and volunteers who came out to help.  This was about our School District giving back to the community and it was a great success!  Can't wait to see what they cook up next year!  PS.... the RIBS were awesome!

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER RESIGNS

Dr. Aisha El-Amin (left) takes the oath of office
on August 20, 2012.  Former Board President
Suzzanne Arnold administers the oath.

by Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  Dr. Aisha El-Amin resigned her seat on the Board of Education for Community Consolidated District #168 it was learned today. El-Amin was appointed by then Board President Suzanne Arnold on August 20, 2012 to fill a vacancy and ran unopposed for election to the two-year unexpired term which would have expired in April, 2015. 

El-Amin was a swing vote in deciding on incoming Superintendent Dr. Donna Leak’s appointment earlier this month.  The vote was 4 to 3 with El-Amin voting with the majority in favor of Leak’s appointment.

Board President Sharon Davenport said she wished El-Amin well and will likely make an appointment to replace El-Amin at the July School Board meeting.  “I want to thank Dr. El-Amin for her service to the children of our District.  Serving on the School Board requires time and dedication” Davenport said.  The School Board positions are voluntary and are without any pay.  The term of the seat expires in May, 2015 and the individual would either stand for election or leave office following the expiration. 

Anyone wishing to serve may address a letter of interest to Davenport for consideration.

CLICK LINK if you're interested in details on complete details on how to apply for the position:  CLICK HERE

4 TO 3 VOTE HIRES CONTROVERSIAL SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Donna Simpson-Leak
Sauk Village's new Superintendent of Schools

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  School District 168 School Board approved hiring the controversial candidate for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donna Simpson-Leak to replace retiring Superintendent Al Travaglini.  Travaglini took over as Superintendent in 2011.

The vote to hire Leak was 4 to 3 voting yes were Mary Howard sister to Sauk Village Mayor David Hanks, Aisa El-Amin, Deloris Green and Jimo Kasali and voting no were School Board President Sharon Davenport, Tammy Jones and Melvin Stevenson.

The fact that Leak is a woman didn’t matter to a school board dominated by women.  “It’s not about gender, it’s about what’s best for the children, and it’s about the chemistry of the staff” Davenport said of her NO vote of Leak as Superintendent.  “The most important thing that we (the school board) can do is hire a Superintendent.  As a board, out of all the people we had to choose from, I feel like we should have been able to have more of a consensus on a candidate for the position” Davenport said.  Davenport pledged to work with the incoming Superintendent and respects the decision of the Board.

The $800,000 lawsuit filed by Leak against her former employer, Rich Township School District 227 did not weigh on their decision to vote yes according to Green.  “The lawsuit has not been settled yet.  I read about some of what they accused her of it did not happen” Green said following the board meeting.   “I feel good about my decision” Green said.  As for the board’s split decision Green said “I think it says we’re individuals and we vote our conscience”.

Long-time resident Rose Langston, who attended Monday night’s meeting doesn’t feel that Leak was the right decision.  “I think she is carrying too much baggage” Langston said.  “I wish her well and hope we don’t run into the same problems we had before” Langston said referring to the scandal of former imprisoned Superintendent Thomas Ryan.  Several residents who attended did not speak out but were not happy with the board’s decision, one long-time resident saying as he left the building “this summed up their sorry political career by voting yes for her (Leak)”.

Leak will transition into the position starting May 27^th until June 30^th and receive $693.87 per day and will work 10 days during this period according to her employment agreement.  Her employment agreement is for a two year period.  Leak will be paid $170,000 per year, only $1,000 less than Travaglini.  She will receive retirement contributions into the State’s retirement fund;  $500 per month in “expenses”;  $200,000 in paid life insurance;  100% paid health insurance benefits for herself and her family in addition $1,500 per month in any health related expenses; paid long-term disability;  $15,000 per year paid by the district into a 403(b);  20 paid vacation days commencing on day one;  15 sick days; $400 per month auto allowance; plus a paid cell phone and other expense reimbursements.

“I feel honored and privileged to be working in Sauk Village” Leak said following the meeting.  As for the split decision of the Board “I am going to continue the great things that he (Travaglini) has had going, but we have a lot of changes in education coming down the pike” Leaks said.  As far as staff changes Leak has no immediate plans “we have to look at budgets and really roll my sleeves up and get a look at it.  Al and I have some transition time so we’ll look at it” Leak said.

DISTRICT 168 MAY HIRE CONTROVERSIAL SUPERINTENDENT

Donna Simpson-Leak

By Joseph Wiszowaty

SAUK VILLAGE |  Community Consolidated School District #168 has been searching for a new Superintendent of School since Al Travaglini announced his retirement last year and apparently the search maybe over.  There were numerous applicants and 2 finalists.

 

The Board members are apparently split in their decision over a controversial candidate Dr. Donna Simpson-Leak the former Superintendent of Schools for Rich Township School District 227.  The Rich Township school board fired Simpson-Leak in June, 2013 by a 4-3 vote citing "gross improprieties in the process of student expulsions" and allegedly locking a school board member out of a meeting, according to a published newspaper report.   Leak is suing the Rich Township district for alleged civil conspiracy, breach of contract and infliction of emotional distress, seeking $800,000 in damages.

 

According to Cook County Circuit Court records, Simpson-Leak had hired in her suit against Rich Township the same legal team as the former temporary Chief of Police Robert Fox had that sued Sauk Village,  Ancel Glink Diamond Murphy & Cope, a powerhouse law firm in the State of Illinois.  The firm has, however, since withdrawn from the case as of April 8^th of this year according to court documents.

 

Sauk Village was the center of controversy statewide and in the news media when the former criminal Superintendent of School Thomas Ryan ripped the district off of cash while he ran the district like a dictator with a puppet School Board.  Ryan pled guilty and served time in prison for what prosecutors said was "stealing kids milk money".

 

Simpson-Leak, of Flossmoor, was a finalist for the Superintendent position for Kankakee School District 111 in January of this year, however, she lost out to another candidate for the position.  Simpson-Leak lost out most recently for a position in Crete Monee School District to an out of state candidate.

 

Village residents may remember when the Sauk Village Board took a chance on a “controversial” hiring pick, Henrietta Turner, for Village Manager in 2011.  Turner was suing her former employer, Country Club Hills following her dismissal and ended up suing the Village of Sauk Village as well. 

 

“I do not have and cannot comment at this time” Sharon Davenport, Board President said.  “The board will take formal action on the matter Monday, April 28^th at the meeting at 6pm” Davenport said.

 

Attempts to reach School Board Member Mary Howard for comment were unsuccessful.  School Board Vice President Tammy Jones could not comment beyond saying "please come to the board meeting on Monday night that is when action would be taken" Jones said.  Board Member Deloris Green had no comment on the matter.  Calls to Board Secretary Melvin Stevenson not returned at the time of publication.

Retiring Superintendent of Schools Al Travaglini echoed Davenport.  “At the Board’s request, I was instructed not to comment on any questions regarding the selection of the next Superintendent of Schools.  The Board will announce their selection April 28^th, which is a regular meeting” Travaglini said.

 

HELPFUL LINKS: 

 FORMER SUPERINTENDENT SUES DISTRICT

 

VIDEO:  SD227 DISMISSES SUPERINTENDENT LEAK

 

KANKAKEE SUPT SEARCH

 

SUPERINTENDENT PLANS LEGAL ACTION

 

Strassburg gets visit from Congresswoman Kelly and some Computers too

by Joseph Wiszowaty- The Sauk Villager News
SAUK VILLAGE |  Strassburg School 4th grade teacher Cherri Moore and her students will get to use 5 refurubished computers donated courtesy of PC Rebuilders & Recyclers of Chicago.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-2nd Illinois) and State Representative Elgie Sims (D-34th District) were on hand for the presentation who helped faciliate the donation from PC Rebuilders & Recyclers' CEO Willie Cade, who was also on hand.

Superintendent of Schools Al Travaglini and School Board President Sharon Davenport were on hand along with Strassburg School Principal Lynda Johnson to accept the donated computers.

"This is a good thing for Sauk Village's schools and I'm happy to have been a part of it" Kelly said.

"We're very pleased for the donation.  Any time we can save the taxpayers money and provide more money for the education of our children the better we are as a community" Davenport said following the presentation.

Also on hand were Sauk Village Trustee Derrick Burgess and Mayor David Hanks as well as other school officials and staff.  Community Activist Bernice Houston also attended the presentation.

"I'm very happy that Congresswoman Kelly and Representative Sims could come out today" Burgess said following the presentation.

Kelly spent some time speaking with the students who asked her questions.  "The students were very well behaved" Traveligni said.

Superintendent Al Travaglini examines Computer Equipment

School Board President Sharon Davenport greets Congresswoman Robin Kelly

Superintendent Al Travaglini, Board President Sharon Davenport, David Hanks-Mayor and State Representative Elgie Sims

4th Grade Teacher Cherri Moore and her students along with Willie Cade, CEO of PCRR, Congresswoman Kelly and Representative Sims

Sauk Village Trustee Derrick Burgess and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-1st Illinois)

Strassburg's 4th Grade Teacher Cherri Moore and Congresswoman Kelly

Congresswoman Kelly receives a gift of appreciation from District 168 from Superintendent of District 168 Schools Al Travaglini

Congresswoman Robin Kelly speaks with students of Strassburg's 4th Grade Cherri Moore's class