Board Appoints New Member

Board Appoints New Member
The Butler School District 53 Board of Education has announced the appointment of Ahmad Sulaiman as a new Board member, beginning immediately. Sulaiman, an Oak Brook attorney, was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Rajiv Advani who resigned in September. The term expires in April 2017. Sulaiman is a highly regarded attorney and sole owner of one of the largest individual consumer protection practices in the Midwest, Sulaiman Law Group on Jolie Blvd. in Oak Brook. He has also been named as a “Super Lawyer in Illinois” in the last seven consecutive years and was named as a Top 10 Bankruptcy Attorney in Illinois last year. With his wife Lara, he is the father of three girls, two enrolled at Brook Forest, and a third in preschool. The family moved to Oak Brook in 2012 seeking top-notch schools. “We moved here because of the caliber of the teachers and staff,” he said, noting that he and his wife had visited 10 different public and private schools in the region. He is seeking nomination to the Board to get more involved in the Oak Brook community. “The community has given so much to my family and I believe it is time and my personal responsibility to give back to our community in a meaningful way,” he said. He has Bachelor and Juris Doctor Degrees from Loyola University. He said he believes in the long-term viability of the District, and the child-centered leadership in the District. “I am honored and excited to serve this amazing community as a member of the board,” he said. “The commitment to excellence expressed by the students, parents, teachers, staff and the Butler School District 53 Board of Education is the model for others.” The Board interviewed three applicants Oct. 17, which they said were of the highest caliber. They voted on the appointment following the interviews. “The Board was extremely impressed with the qualifications and enthusiasm of all three candidates. Their common focus on education and community participation was exemplary,” said Board President Alan Hanzlik. “Mr. Sulaiman is a highly talented attorney who has built a very successful law practice. The Board was extremely impressed with his background, focus on education and his desire to serve. We are most fortunate to have Mr. Sulaiman join District 53,” he said. Earlier in the meeting, Board members honored Rajiv Advani. “Only extraordinary people voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing school districts and holding themselves accountable for achieving continued organizational excellence for all stakeholders,” said Superintendent Dr. Heidi Wennstrom. The Board praised Advani for his commitment and 5 ½ years of service and gave him a token of appreciation.