Kimberly Alcantara Resignation Opens New Trier board vacancy
Kimberly Alcantara’s resignation from the New Trier Township High School Board of Education opens a vacancy after a year into her second term. The Wilmette resident said personal family reasons led her to step down. The board now has to fill the seat under its policy manual.
In her resignation letter, Alcantara wrote, “I have truly enjoyed our time working together on important issues to support our students, teachers and community.” She also said, “During my five years on the Board, we have advanced New Trier’s strategic goals, including expanding opportunities for students; improving our facilities and making sure New Trier is a place where everyone knows that they belong.”
Alcantara’s five years
Alcantara was first elected in 2021 and reelected in 2025. She was a former Wilmette District 39 School Board member and was slated by the New Trier School Board Caucus in both of her successful campaigns.
Board President Jean Hahn praised her work on the governing body, saying, “Her insightful questions and commitment to assuring students are supported in every step of the high school journey have enriched our decision-making.”
New Trier vacancy process
The district is seeking applications to fill Alcantara’s open seat, and interested parties can apply online by 5 p.m. May 15. The School Board hopes to interview candidates in the coming weeks, then hold a tentative vote at its June meeting.
The board’s policy manual gives it up to 60 days to fill the vacancy through a public vote at a School Board meeting. The appointed member will serve until the next local election in April 2027, and the elected candidate will then serve out the remainder of Alcantara’s term ending in 2029.
Jean Hahn on the open seat
Alcantara told board members, “You have important work ahead of you, and I regret that I won’t be at the Board table to help guide it. However, I have no doubt that this Board and future Boards will continue to be a model of collaboration and civil discourse in maintaining New Trier’s tradition of excellence while continuing to adapt and evolve for the future.”
For residents who want a say in who fills the seat, the immediate step is the application deadline on May 15. After that, the board’s interviews and vote will determine who serves through April 2027 and who eventually finishes the term to 2029.
