Dr. Abed Rahman was appointed Oct. 26 to fill the vacancy created when Debbie Levinthal resigned Sept. 18. Rahman will serve the remainder of Levinthal's term, which expires in April 2025.
"The board would like to thank Debbie for serving as a diligent board member for more than two years," board President Catherine Greenspon said. "We also want to congratulate Abed on his appointment to the board of education. We are delighted to welcome someone with his qualifications, expertise and dedication. We are also confident that he will be an asset to this board and community and look forward to working together to shape a bright future for District 86 students."
Rahman is a physician and clinician who holds multiple leadership roles throughout the Cook County Health System. He has served as the director of pain services at City of Hope Chicago (formerly Cancer Treatment Centers of America) since 2017. He is also an adjunct professor of anatomy and anesthesiology at Rush University Medical College in Chicago and Midwestern University School of Medicine in Downers Grove.
Rahman is the chair for the Physician Professional Behavior Committee at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County and the Pain Committee/Opioid Task Force at the City of Hope Chicago.
Rahman, who resides in Willowbrook and has two students at Hinsdale South, said he is honored to serve as a board member.
"I want to thank the District 86 Board of Education for selecting me from a talented pool of candidates and for trusting me to serve as a dedicated member of this board," he stated in the release. "I am deeply committed to ensuring that our schools provide the best education possible so that every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members to make a positive impact on the continued success of our students and district."
Seventeen people applied for the opening on the board, and five participated in in-person interviews during a special closed session meeting Oct. 16.
Greenspon expressed her gratitude to everyone who applied for the vacancy.
"The strong response and willingness to dedicate their time and energy to serve on the board is a true testament to the community's passionate commitment to education," Greenspon said.
