Dist. 86 Board makes pick for vacant seat

The Hinsdale High School District 86 Board on Monday appointed Tamakia “TJ” Edwards to fill the board vacancy.

Edwards is the founder of Inner-View Coaching and Consulting Services as well as the capital construction program manager and project executive for the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Public Buildings Service. The Darien resident and mother of three sons alao has served as a member of the special committee working in conjunction with the district’s facilities committee. She said that joining the board is an honor.

“I want to thank the District 86 Board of Education for this tremendous opportunity,” said Edwards in a statement. “I consider it a true privilege to serve a community that has meant so much to me and my family, and I am ready to begin the critical work that must be done to help our students learn, grow and achieve.”

Edwards takes over the seat vacated by Nancy Pollak, who stepped down on June 29 because her family was moving out of state. Edwards will serve the remainder of Pollak’s term, which expires next April. A total of 15 people applied for the position, and the board selected four finalists for in-person interviews.

Board President Kevin Camden expressed his gratitude to all the applicants and to Pollak for her service. He also congratulated Edwards on her appointment.

“We are excited to have someone with her knowledge and experience joining our team and look forward to working alongside her in the year ahead to provide our students with a healthy and safe environment in which to pursue their ideal future,” Camden commented.