New District 113A President Focused on Building Relationships, Creating Long-Term Strategic Plan

With a new superintendent set to take office in July and fund balances continuing to improve, Dave Molitor is ready to start planning for the long-term success of .

Molitor during a special meeting Tuesday night, replacing board member Mike Aurelio.

In an email to Patch on Wednesday, Molitor said he was honored to be selected for the position, and looks forward to working with the administration and his fellow board members during the next year.

"I am honored to serve this district as the president of the Board of Education," Molitor said. "This district has incredibly dedicated administrative staff, teachers, parents and volunteers that—regardless of the difficulties they face—continuously strive to give our kids in this district the best possible education or revenues can afford. How can one not be proud of that?"

Molitor was elected Tuesday by a 4-2 vote, with board members Karen Siston and Al Malley casting the dissenting votes. Aurelio, who was also up for the position, abstained.

Molitor said he values the differing viewpoints of each board member.

"Our board's varying opinions, something I believe to be a positive, help to present multiple options when trying to make the best decisions for this district," he said.

Looking forward to the next year, Molitor said he hopes to build on what District 113A has already achieved and continue planning for future success.

"First and foremost, I look forward to facing whatever challenges may come this year," he said. "I do so because I know that I am not alone in facing those challenges. District 113A has incredibly talented and dedicated staff."

Some of Molitor's personal goals include establishing a good working relationship with current staff members and , maintaining a balanced budget while building fund balances, and creating a long-range strategic plan for the district.

He also hopes to work with the Community Engagement Committee to get opinions from district stakeholders on the future of District 113A.

"Being a district that I, myself, had the pleasure of going through in my youth, I can only say I am that much more determined to make sure our Board continues to prepare for its sound financial and educational future. Our kids deserve no less than that," he said.