Meet Our Board of Education

 

Gary Knight, has served on the board of education since 2004 and is currently the board president. Gary and his family have lived in the district since the 1980's and during this time his two children graduated from Laraway School. He has also coached basketball at Laraway School for a number of years. Gary is a retired Will County Sherriff and was a detective for 10 years. During his time in the department, Gary participated in many educational and training opportunities to allow him to best serve the community. Professional development completed 9/5/12 and open meetings act completed 9/5/12.

 

 

 

Marge Fleet, has served on the board for 18 years. She is a 43 year member of the community and a former Laraway graduate herself. Marge not only has served the education community as a board member at Laraway, she has also worked in the education field and has a master’s degree in education. Professional development completed 4/12/12 and open meetings act completed 4/12/12.

 

 

 

 

Michelle Matenaer, is the school board secretary and was elected in the spring of 2015 to a four year term and re-elected in 2023 to another 4 year term. Michelle and her family have lived in the district for 14 years. She is the proud mother of two children who attend the Laraway schools. She is a Wisconsin native and a graduate from West Bend High in Wisconsin. She is looking forward to serving the community. Combined with her service on the board of education, she is also a Girl Scout Leader. Employed at DRF Plumbing, a Plainfield plumbing company. Professional development completed 6/4/16 and open meetings act completed 6/16/15.

 

 

 

 

Saul Brass, is the school board vice president. He has lived in the district for over 30 years and has served on the board of education since 1989. When Saul first was elected to the board, he was employed at Caterpillar, Inc. and worked for the company for 40 years. He retired in 2012 as a senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager. Saul is a 1969 graduate of Joliet Central High School. Upon graduation he attended Joliet Junior College where he completed the Caterpillar’s Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice Program. He is married to his wife Edna, a retired educator, and their three daughters, who also work in the education field. Saul takes great pride in the education and extra-curricular programs Laraway provides for its students. Professional development completed 11/21/16 and open meetings act completed 6/16/15.

 

 

Ron Hopkins, has lived in the Laraway community for 11 years. He is our newest board member being seated in December of 2015. Ron is a retired Illinois Department of Corrections officer and he is also the former scheduler for the Will County Crisis Line. Ron graduated from the University of St. Francis earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has also earned graduate credit in the field of Psychology from Lewis University. He has also proudly served our country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He is also a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Professional development completed 2/14/16 and open meetings act completed 2/14/16.

 

 

 

Gary Washington, has served on the board for 8 years. Gary, his wife Kathy and his children have proudly lived in the district for 22 years. His two daughters Breanna and Brittany, and son Braden, are graduates of Laraway School District 70c. He is currently employed as a Chemical Operator in the Joliet area. Gary is committed to the improvement and excellence of the Laraway school district. Professional development completed 11/21/16 and open meetings act completed 6/16/15.

 

 

 

                                                  Dave Matenaer

 

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