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Rivkin looks to future away from school board
Larry Rivkin is stepping down from the Lincolnshire-Prairie View Elementary District 103 School Board in April. (Ronnie Wachter~Sun-Times Media)
LINCOLNSHIRE — Larry Rivkin, a member of the Lincolnshire-Prairie View Elementary District 103 School Board, announced recently that he will not seek a new term on the April ballot.
He reflected on the nature of the job, his colleagues’ achievements and his own future.
Q: What possessed you to join the school board in the first place?
A: I co-chaired the district’s community engagement process and successful referendum campaign in the fall of 2006, and subsequently served on the citizens’ advisory committee for communications. During that time, I saw that the district was fulfilling its mission quite well in some areas, but facing significant challenges in others, and I thought I had qualities that could help in addressing those challenges.
Q: What makes this the right time to step away?
A: First, the initiatives about which I cared most — strengthening and stabilizing district finances, upgrading district facilities, transitioning district leadership, improving district morale, and expanding world language instruction in the district — all have been accomplished or are on a solid path toward being accomplished. Second, the people I know who will be candidates for board seats next spring are extremely talented and are committed to the district’s core values. If they are elected, they will undoubtedly bring terrific energy and ideas.
Q: What was the district’s greatest achievement during your time on the board?
A: The district had a smooth transition in leadership to a new superintendent, two new assistant superintendents, and new principals at Daniel Wright and Half Day that has resulted in renewed enthusiasm and a greater sense of common purpose and trust throughout the district.
Q: What is the biggest issue remaining?
A: Aside from maintaining strong finances amidst state funding cutbacks, the biggest challenge will be to avoid complacency and truly be leaders in updating curriculum and teaching approaches that prepare our students to succeed in, and contribute positively to, a rapidly-changing, globalized world.
Q: Stepping away will open up some time in your schedule...how will you fill that?
A: My wife and I have an estate planning law practice in Lincolnshire, and, in the past year, we launched what is effectively a pro bono legal services program to help families that have children with disabilities. We are excited about the program, but know that it will take a lot of our time and energy to make it as far-reaching and successful as we would like it to be.
