Ribbon cut, new board member and superintendent celebrated

It was a night of celebrations for Butler School District 53. The new safety vestibule at Butler Junior High was opened to the public with a ceremonial ribbon cutting prior to the Board of Education meeting Nov. 14. And, the District office entranceway, also newly constructed, was opened with a ribbon cutting. Both projects were completed earlier this month as part of a five-year master facility projects to repair and improve the two schools. Students who served as “superintendents for the day” presided over the festivities and cut the large blue ribbons. The superintendents of the day, from two Butler District 53 families, were the Rios family – Benjamin, Elise and Isabella Rios -- and the Saini family – Arjun Saini and Akash Saini. Also, new board member Ahmad Sulaiman was sworn in. He was appointed following the resignation of Rajiv Advani. The term expires April 2017. Finally, in honor of American Education Week, Superintendent Dr. Heidi Wennstrom was surprised with a gift and a thank you. A student video was created querying students “what does a superintendent do?” As a token of their thanks, the student council also presented Dr. Wennstrom with flowers and the Board presented her with a vase. Students held cards spelling out “thanks” and read statements about Dr. Wennstrom. “Your approachable and professional attitude is admirable,” said PTO President Rahma Hasan. “You put the best interests of the students first and foremost. Your collaborative attitude, your sensitivity to the needs of the students and their parents, your unwavering support of your staff, it all creates a culture in our district that is warm, inviting and invaluable.” Board President Alan Hanzlik echoed the comments. “She is the best educator in the state of Illinois,” he said. “What makes her unique is she treats every single child as if he or she is her child.”