The Oak Park Unified School District Board of Education held elections during the open session portion of their monthly meeting Dec. 5.

In December of each year, the board holds its Organizational Board Meeting where they elect representatives. The candidates up for board position elections included former president Drew Hazelton, former vice president Derek Ross, former clerk Denise Helfstein, former member and third-term runner Barbara Laifman and second-term member Allen Rosen.

The candidates for these positions were appointed unanimously, with the same members rotating into different positions: Ross was elected president, Helfstein was elected vice president, Laifman was elected clerk and Hazelton and Rosen were elected members.

The OPUSD Board of Education, according to their online statement, is a five-person governing body that works alongside the superintendent in order to delegate and fulfill responsibilities in the Oak Park community.

“The main responsibilities of the Board of Education include setting district policy, establishing district goals, ensuring that the district is compliant with Federal, State and Local requirements, creating a budget that prioritizes the established goals and maintaining contractual relationships with the Oak Park Teachers Association and the Oak Park Classified Association,” the Board of Education wrote on their website.

Hazelton wrote to the Talon that the board and district collaborate efficiently each year to carry out their goals for the Oak Park community.

“I thank the board and Tony [Knight] in having the trust in me to serve as OPUSD’s Board President this past year,” Hazelton wrote. “Oak Park is fortunate to have strong leadership, teachers, staff and parents.”

In agreement with Hazelton, Helfstein wrote to the Talon that the district “can look forward to the same steadfast, transparent, experienced and caring leadership necessary to create an effective governance team.”

“I am very proud to be a member of the OPUSD Board of Education and the accomplishments of our school district,” Helfstein wrote. “Derek Ross will be an outstanding Board President and will work tirelessly to continue Oak Park’s tradition of excellence and care for all students, staff and the community at large.”