Omar Salem, a member of the District 65 Board of Education, will resign from his position effective Tuesday, November 4. The decision comes after two and a half years of service, prompted by a family opportunity that requires him to be away from Evanston for several months.
In a statement, Salem described the choice as one of the most difficult he has ever made, balancing his commitment to the community with the needs of his family. He concluded that serving the board remotely would not meet the standard of full presence and engagement the role demands.
Key Takeaways
- Omar Salem is stepping down from the District 65 Board of Education on November 4.
- The resignation is due to a family commitment that will take him out of Evanston for an extended period.
- Salem served on the board for two and a half years and expressed regret for not completing his elected term.
- He emphasized that the decision was ultimately made for the well-being of his children and family.
A Difficult Decision for Family
In his announcement, Omar Salem detailed the personal conflict behind his departure. He explained that a unique opportunity for his family necessitated the move, which will last for several months. While he initially considered continuing his board duties from a distance, he ultimately decided against it.
"This role requires full presence and engagement, and I wouldn’t be able to meet that standard from afar," Salem stated. He framed the decision as being rooted in his responsibilities as a parent, a lesson he said was reinforced during his time in public service.
"One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that people will do just about anything for their children. My decision is no different — it’s rooted in what’s best for mine."
Salem acknowledged the significant time commitment the board position required and the resulting time away from his family. He expressed that he is looking forward to spending more time with them in the coming months.
Reflections on Service and Community Engagement
Looking back on his tenure, Salem called his service on the board an "incredible honor." He highlighted his interactions with the community, staff, and students as the most rewarding aspect of his work. He engaged in numerous conversations about the district's future, connecting with what he described as passionate and thoughtful individuals.
Despite his pride in his work, Salem also shared a sense of disappointment in not achieving more tangible change during his two and a half years on the board. However, he expressed hope that his approach set a positive example for future board members.
"I hope I’ve helped set a high bar for board member engagement, especially in listening to stakeholders and learning deeply about the many schools and programs in our district," he remarked.
Board Vacancies in District 65
Board member resignations are not unprecedented in District 65. In July 2017, Omar Brown stepped down from his position, citing work and family commitments after three years of service. Following such vacancies, the district typically opens an application process to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term.
A Departure During a Challenging Time
Salem acknowledged that he is stepping away during a difficult period for District 65. While he did not specify the challenges, he expressed regret to the voters who elected him for not being able to complete his full term under the current circumstances.
"While I know this is the right decision, it’s difficult to step away during such a challenging time for our district," he said. He concluded his message with a call for unity and a focus on student welfare.
Community Reaction: In a public comment, community member Barry Doyle called Salem's departure "a real loss," describing him as "a welcome voice of reason." Doyle added, "I didn’t always agree with him but also respected his open, principled decision-making."
Salem's final hope for the district was one of collective strength. "I hope that out of the many current challenges, the District 65 community will come together with strength and unity," he urged. "I care deeply about the children in this community, and I hope every decision this board makes—now and in the future—is guided by what’s best for them."
The District 65 Board of Education will now need to address the process for filling the vacancy left by Salem's departure.