The D124 Board of Education has four seats on the ballot for the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election. Three candidates and current board members are running for three seats.
Learn more about voting from the Village of Evergreen Park
Get to know more about the candidates below!
Rachel Marroquin
Why do you want to serve on the D124 Board of Education?I am honored and love to have a voice in making important and impactful decisions for the students, families, and community members of District 124. I draw upon my experience as an educator, Union President in my own school district, parent, and community member, as well as my legal background prior to becoming a teacher 15 years ago, to contribute thoughtful and informed perspectives that support the success of our schools and community.
How long have you lived in Evergreen Park?
14 years
What do you believe are the practices of an effective school board?
The best practices of a school board member that stand out to me are to: understand the roles and responsibilities of a school board member – we govern rather than manage; focus on student success at the center of all decisions while supporting quality education for all students; maintain open and transparent communication; work as a team with other board members respecting everyone’s view points; be sure to stay informed on policies, finances, and educational trends to help with decision making; and be proactive with community engagement.
What are the greatest challenges you see our district facing now and during the next four years?
One of the key challenges I see in the coming years is addressing space constraints in our schools, including the removal of trailers at all buildings. It is essential that we make the best decisions for our students while being mindful of the financial impact on taxpayers. However, we must also recognize that our children are the future, and the strength of our schools is a driving factor for families choosing to live in Evergreen Park. These schools belong to the community, and as our population continues to grow, we must plan strategically to support and sustain this progress.
What three qualities are most important to you in a superintendent and BOE relationship?
I believe it is important that a superintendent should: build strong relationships through open and honest communication; clearly convey expectations, policies and decisions; and actively listen and consider the perspectives of all board members when making decisions, ensuring a collaborative and well-informed approach to district leadership.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I grew up on the South Side of Chicago and attended Chicago Public Schools through high school. I earned my Master’s in Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am married and a proud mom of two daughters—one preparing for high school and the other entering sixth grade.
Professionally, I am a K-5 STEAM teacher in Summit, Illinois, and I serve as the Union President for my teachers’ union. Outside of work, I stay busy as a year-round soccer mom. At home, I have a German Shepherd, a cat, and a Russian tortoise—though I’ve decided that’s enough pets for now!
I am a social person who enjoys great conversations and plenty of laughter. A fun fact about me is that I can write in shorthand—something I learned from my years working for an attorney before becoming a teacher. It always sparks curiosity when people see me scribbling away!
Michael Aumiller
Why do you want to serve on the D124 Board of Education?
To use my abilities to serve our community and support our children's future.
How long have you lived in Evergreen Park?
Eight years
What do you believe are the practices of an effective school board?
Patience in decision making. Diligence in fact finding. Clarity in communication to stakeholders.
What are the greatest challenges you see our district facing now and during the next four years?
Public finance in Illinois will continue to be a challenge as taxes rise with the cost of providing services. Adequately addressing spacing and resource issues for our aging facilities, especially Central Middle School.
What three qualities are most important to you in a superintendent and BOE relationship?
Honesty. Clear communication. Assumption of positive intent.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a husband and father of three children, two of which are in the district and one soon-to-be. I am a former business owner and currently the Director of Analytics and Operations for a commercial real estate consultancy. I am an avid dog lover and enjoy spending my free time camping, grilling, and spending time with my wife and kids.
Mike Thomas
Why do you want to serve on the D124 Board of Education?
I have been an educator for over 20 years, most recently working at Evergreen Park Community High School. In this profession, I have seen the importance of creating structures that allow for high-quality education and would like to serve on the D124 Board of Education to continue providing those opportunities for students in our community. I have seen the benefits that schooling can have on students both in terms of their increase in knowledge, but also in their sense of belonging and community pride.
How long have you lived in Evergreen Park?
We moved to Evergreen Park in 2020 after working at the high school for a few years. I felt Evergreen Park would be a great place to live and raise our daughter (Zoe, current 6th grader at CMS).
What do you believe are the practices of an effective school board?
I think that an effective school board provides oversight of district operations. In this role the board ensures that the school is following all legal policies and is working within the means of their budget. The board also works as a liaison for the voice of the community, which means that board members must be actively engaged in various parts of community organizations or community events to know what the members of the community think of various issues that might affect the schools.
What are the greatest challenges you see our district facing now and during the next four years?
I think one of the biggest challenges that our district faces is spacing. Evergreen Park is known as a great community, which causes lots of young families to want to move here. This is a great thing for the community to keep its vibrant family feel however it does require space for all of these children to be educated within D124 schools. Evergreen Park prides itself as a community where students will receive a great education and have the ability to participate in lots of extracurricular activities. We need to maintain these spaces (or increase them in some places) so we can continue to provide the high-quality education that people in the community have grown to love and people moving to the community expect.
What three qualities are most important to you in a superintendent and BOE relationship?
1. Trust - if there is not trust between these roles, all else will break down over time.
2. Accountability - The BOE and the superintendent are working together to help the schools function at the optimal level, but they must also hold each other accountable to ensure that the school system has the checks and balances necessary to make the best decisions.
3. Caring - Both parties must care about the students in our district to ensure that they get the most out of their time in D124.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am an educator, a father, and somebody who truly cares about the future of our community. I enjoy participating in lots of organizations and giving back to my community by spending my time working with various organizations where I can share my expertise. I also enjoy physical activity and like playing sports and coaching my daughter’s sports teams.