New Lemont Fire Chief George Rimbo Resigns from District 210 School Board

George Rimbo, who recently became the new chief of the Lemont Fire Protection District, has resigned from the Lemont High School District 210 Board of Education, district officials announced Thursday.

Rimbo has served on the school board since 2009, and was elected to a second four-year term in April. He was sworn in as Lemont's newest fire chief on July 18. 

READ: George Rimbo Sworn In as New Lemont Fire Chief

"I have very much enjoyed working on the District 210 school board, but I ultimately decided that my focus needs to be completely on the fire district right now," Rimbo said. "It wouldn't be fair to the board or the school if I tried to split my time."

The District 210 Board of Education is expected to formally accept Rimbo's letter of resignation during its next regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 19.

“We will miss the insight and collaborative spirit that George has brought to the table as a board member for the last four years,” Board President Mike Shackel said in a statement. “At the same time, we are excited for him and his family as he assumes his new duties with the Lemont Fire Protection District. We certainly will continue to count on his support of Lemont High School as an alumnus, parent, community member and fire chief.”

Rimbo's departure has been reported to the South Cook Intermediate Service Center, as required by state statute. District 210 has 45 days to fill the vacancy.

District 210 Community Relations Director Tony Hamilton said the board hopes to seat its new member for a two-year term by September.

At the conclusion of the two-year appointment, a new two-year term will be available during the April 2015 election. A four-year term will next be available in 2017, Hamilton said.

The District 210 Board of Education will accept applications for Rimbo's seat through Friday, Aug. 9. Applicants must be citizens of the United States, at least 18 years of age, residents of the state and school district for at least one year immediately preceding the most recent election, and registered voters.

Those interested in serving on the school board should review the Illinois Association of School Boards' member expectations and code of conduct, both of which are available at www.lhs210.net.

Candidates should submit a resumé and letter of interest to District 210 Superintendent Mary Ticknor by Aug. 9. Supporting information can be mailed to her attention at Lemont High School (800 Porter St., Lemont, IL 60439), sent via fax at 630-257-7603 or emailed to maryjop@lemont.k12.il.us.