School Board Elects New President

Although he wasn’t there to accept in person, Wayne Blasman was elected president of the Oak Park Unified School District board this week.

Trustees had tried to include him through a video linkup while he was in Las Vegas on Tuesday, said trustee Jim Kalember. “But we had an unsuccessful time at Kinko’s,” he said.

Though the board has a new ceremonial leader, there is still a vacant seat left by former President Jeri Fox, who stepped down last month following a public outcry after she hosted a party during which alcohol was served to teenagers.

So far, 10 people have applied for the position. The deadline is Jan. 5.

“Jeri Fox did the right thing,” said newly selected Vice President Bob Kahn. “The hubbub is dying down, from what I can tell.”

He said he would like trustees to figure out the best way to deal with substance abuse in the district.

Although students are instructed about the harmful effects of drinking and driving, Kahn said, he wants parents to get more involved.