Board Members
Lockport Township High School Board Members
Meet Your District 205 Board of Education Members
Lockport Township High School District 205 is served by seven Board of Education members who are elected by residents and who volunteer their time to lead our district. Board members serve four-year terms on a staggered basis and must reside in the district. The District 205 Board of Education adopts policies and rules that govern the administration of the school district. The Board operates in strict accordance with Illinois laws and Illinois State Board of Education regulations, and they adopt policy only when members meet in an official session.
The School Board appoints and supervises the Superintendent of Schools, whose job it is to run the day-to-day operations of the school district and to provide educational leadership and vision for administrators, faculty, and staff. Many of you already are familiar with our Board members, but there may be some things that you do not know about them.
John Lukasik, President
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John Lukasik has been a resident of Lockport for 15 years. He currently is an Area Manager for Project Management at AT&T, where he has worked for the past 19 years. John has served the community in leadership roles such as head coach and assistance coach for District 92 girls basketball; assistant coach for District 92 boys basketball; coach for Lockport boys’ baseball; a member of the Building Bridges for 205 Education committee; LTHS Foundation; AT&T Pioneers; AT&T Veterans and head coach for AYSO Soccer.
John and his wife, Judy, have been married for 18 years and are parishioners at St. Dennis Church in Lockport since 1996. They have two children: Jamie and John.
As a District 205 board member, John wants to work with other members to address the classroom space requirements to educate our District 205 students and establish goals for improving student performance, achievement and opportunities. John believes all district students deserve to receive a quality education in facilities that foster a positive high school experience.
Susan L. Forbes, Vice President
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Susan Forbes has served the district since 2005, was born in Joliet and raised in Lockport. Susan attended Kelvin Grove/Central School, LTHS, Northern Illinois University, Governors State University and the National College of Education. Susan is married to James and has one child and two grandchildren.
Susan worked for Will County School District 92 for 35 years and part time at Joliet Junior College and Marshall Fields. She has also been a career consultant and has taught at Lewis University for six years. Susan believes that civic involvement is very important and has been a member of Lockport Rotary, DKG Beta Rho Chapter and Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church. In her free time, Susan likes to collect school bells, teddy bears, children’s books and miniature cups. Susan likes to play golf, travel and play cards with her husband whenever she has the chance.
Susan’s goals as a District 205 Board of Education member are to provide adequate facilities for all district students, and innovative programs to prepare students for their future endeavors. Susan would also like to support the continued academic excellence at LTHS and provide a quality education to maintain our property values. Finally, Susan would like to provide an engaging program for students which encompasses academic, athletic, and extra-curricular activities.
Lou Ann Johnson, Secretary
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Lou Ann Johnson was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, where she graduated from W.P. Davidson High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and a Master in Business Administration degree in management information systems and operational management at Lewis University in Romeoville. Since 2005, Lou Ann has served as a trustee at Second Baptist Church in Joliet, serving in the finance ministry and as a youth mentor. She also serves as president for National Hook-Up of Black Women (NHBW), Inc. Currently, she is the treasurer for Joliet Area Congregation Based Organization Body. Previously, Lou Ann served as treasurer for NHBW and as president of American Business Women Association and was named the Joliet Chapter’s Woman of the Year. In addition, Lou Ann coordinates two youth programs for the NHBW organization – the Junior Hook-Up and Passport to Success programs.
Lou Ann has been employed for the past 25 years at Nicor Gas, holding such positions in the Information Systems Department as programmer analyst, senior programmer analyst and general supervisor. Currently, she works as a senior application architect. Prior to her employment at Nicor Gas, Lou Ann worked in computer programming at Silver Cross Hospital and the United StatesCorp of Engineers.
Lou Ann has two children, Daniel and Gabrielle, and three grandchildren. She believes education is the key to the future for District 205 students and our country and wants to focus on increasing literacy scores and providing the resources needed for each student to succeed. Her goal is to make informed decisions to enable LTHS graduates to have a solid educational foundation.
Michael Lewandowski, Member
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Michael Lewandowski has served the district since 1999. Mike was born in Chicago and has lived in Lockport Township since he was 10 years old. Mike has attended Everett Elementary School, Ludwig Grade School, LTHS and Joliet Junior College. Mike is married to Diana, a patent attorney, and he has a 14-year-old daughter who enjoys reading, dancing and playing the violin.
Mike is a bit of a Renaissance Man, having worked in the fast food industry, landscaping, as a shop supervisor at a door company, as a master harp maker and as a realtor. He is very involved in many civic organizations and his hobbies include family activities and public service. Mike’s goal as a board member is to provide enough space to educate our students.
Samantha Neitzke, Member
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Samantha is the second daughter of Barb and Ted Neitzke. Her family moved to Homer Glen in 1993, where she attended Lockport Township High School and graduated in 1996. Samantha now lives in Lockport and has lived here for six years. She volunteers at Sojourn Therapeutic riding center by providing the use of her horse for helping children and adults who have special needs. She also works with a variety of animal rescue groups and local children's villages.
Samantha is the owner/operator of Absolutely Pawfect Pet Styling. As a small business owner, she would like to see LTHS students have the opportunity to learn how to become a small business owner. She would also like to see the District implement a financial planning curriculum because many adults were never taught the financial skills on how to purchase a home, plan for their children’s college education, or save for their retirements.
This will be Samantha’s first time serving on a board and she is looking forward to contributing in a positive manner.
Ronald Svara, Member
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Ron Svara is a retired professor of math. He taught at Moraine Valley Community College, where he retired as the chairman of the math department. Before teaching at Moraine, Ron taught at Stagg High School and Kelly High School. Ron has much experience serving in community leadership roles. He has served as chair of the County Executive Committee; chair of the County Budget Committee; chair of the County Legislative Committee; chair of the County Land Use Committee; vice chair of the Finance Committee; and Township Supervisor. Ron and his wife, Patricia, have been married for 41 years and have two sons, both LTHS graduates, and two grandchildren. Ron’s hobbies include chess, basketball, football, baseball and working on budgets. His goals as a District 205 board member include ending staggered shifts, passing a bond issue and passing balanced budgets.
Charles Travis, Member
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Charles E. Travis has lived in the Fairmont Area most of his life. He is a retired Building and Grounds Supervisor and served for 38 years in that capacity at Fairmont School District 89. Charles previously served on the Lockport High School District 205 Board of Education for 34 years in various committee positions, as well as Vice President.
Charles and his wife, Della, have been married for 52 years and have five children, all of which have attended and graduated from Lockport High School.
As a District 205 board member, Charles wants to try and help solve the overcrowding at Lockport so quality education can continue.