Former New Trier School Board member steps back in

Close to four years after deciding not to seek a second term on the New Trier High School Board of Education, Brad McLane has returned to serve.

The School Board on Monday appointed McLane to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former board member Kimberly Alcantara.

He previously served one term (2019-2023) on the board.

McLane, who also served eight years on the Winnetka Park Board, thanked New Trier’s board members for selecting him.

“It’s a perfect time for me,” he said on June 1, noting that his original School Board term coincided with his daughter’s time at New Trier and with his daughter’s recent college graduation, McLane said he decided to apply for the vacant position.

Alcantara, who was first elected to the board in 2021 and was reelected last year, resigned in May. As reported by The Record, Alcantara said she and her family are navigating health challenges, and “instead of missing meetings and feeling unprepared, I’d rather the board have a full roster to give business the attention it deserves.”

Following the resignation, the board began an application process, which garnered eight applicants, seven of whom were interviewed by the board, according to Niki Dizon, the district’s communications director.

Board President Sally Tomlinson acknowledged Alcantara’s service during Monday night’s board meeting.

“I want to express gratitude for the contributions of Kimberly Alcantara over the last five years she served on this board,” Tomlinson said. “We will hold her and her family in our hearts and wish them all good outcomes in the months ahead.”

The resignation, said Tomlinson, “presented us with an unusual situation,” and board policy stated that the vacancy had to be filled within 60 days, or before the board’s July meeting.

She added that the goal was to “try to keep the board functioning at its highest level. We were fortunate to have a number of talented and compassionate community members apply for the position and sit for interviews.”

Tomlinson praised McLane and his service.

“We couldn’t ask for a more capable individual,” she said. “He has already received community support, having been elected and served a four-year term.”

According to Tomlinson, during McLane’s term, “he was involved in both facilities planning and community engagement, two committees that will benefit greatly from his return at this critical juncture.”

McLane will serve until the next regular School Board election in the spring of 2027, where an election will be held for the remaining two years on Alcantara’s term.

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