After a two-month application and interview process, the District 90 Community Caucus endorsed four candidates Saturday to run for seats in the April 7 school board election. The four selected candidates for will file nominating petitions to run in next spring’s election, though the approval of the ad hoc caucus group has traditionally been predictive of who wins election to the school board.
“All of the applicants were more than qualified,” said caucus chairman Patty Henek, who added that it was a very difficult decision.
“After weighing a variety of factors, I believe the 19 voting delegates have chosen a combination of candidates who will be a complement to the remaining board members,” she said. “I am confident that they will work effectively together to serve our district well and will maintain the level of academic excellence our community expects.”
The four candidates selected include one incumbent, Juli Ann Geldner, who served as the D90 school board personnel chair. In that role, Geldner oversaw all aspects of hiring, retention and development, and played a key role in hiring both the interim and current permanent superintendents. Geldner, who has a son at Roosevelt Middle School and a son at Oak Park and River Forest High School, is the general counsel and chief financial officer of the Geldner Center in Chicago.
Pat Meyer is the father of six children and has lived in River Forest for eight years. He is a partner and a human resources consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Meyer has served on the St. Luke Pastoral Council and was an adult leader for the St. Luke Youth Ministry Summer Service trips. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from the University of Denver and a law degree from the University of Denver College Of Law.
Roman Ebert is a Fenwick high school graduate and a vice president of operations for Lithographic Industries. Ebert has two children at Lincoln School and one son in preschool. He is a former board member of First United Church Nursery School.
David Latham is an OPRF graduate who received his bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from the University of Illinois-Chicago and a law degree from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. Latham, who has two children enrolled in District 90, has coached soccer for the River Forest Park District and was an assistant coach for the Rapids’ winter program. He is involved in a not-for-profit organization called Partners in Community Building, which assists low-income folks in securing housing.
