A local schools advocate who championed a successful bond issue last year has been appointed to replace Trustee Michelle Kohler on the Northbrook Village Board.
Trustee Tamara Reese, a six-year Northbrook resident and the outgoing president of the District 28 Music Parents Club, was appointed to the Board and approved by fellow trustees last month.
“I am very excited about this opportunity,” Reese said. “We moved quite a bit for my husband’s job before deciding to settle here. I have gotten to know the community in many diverse ways.”
Reese, who has four children enrolled in Northbrook School District 28, chaired the district’s campaign seeking $95 million to fund renovation of three schools and construction of a new school building. Her position as president of the music boosters expires this month.
She had not thought about public office until her mother passed away more than two months ago, Reese said.
“When that happened with my mom, I thought, ‘What am I going to do with my one life? What am I going to do with my skill set?’” she said. “My son said, ‘You’d be good at (trustee).’ Having my son reflect that back felt right.”
Kohler resigned from the Board in February “for personal reasons,” Village President Kathryn Ciesla said. After Kohler’s resignation, the Board launched a search for her replacement.
Northbrook received 15 applications from “highly qualified and engaged residents,” spokesman Nicholas Glenn said in a prepared statement. After reviewing the applicants, the village invited several candidates to participate in video interviews, Glenn said.
“From that group, the field was narrowed to four finalists, each demonstrating a strong commitment to Northbrook,” he said. “Trustee Reese was selected following final consideration.”
“We were fortunate to have such a strong pool of candidates,” Ciesla said. “Each finalist brought meaningful experience and perspective, and the decision required careful consideration. We are grateful to everyone who stepped forward to serve.”
Reese brings a strong record of community involvement, leadership and organizational experience, Glenn said. In addition to heading the music boosters and leading the referendum push, Reese served on the District 28 Parent Teacher Organization Council, he said.
“Tamara has demonstrated the kind of leadership, judgment, and commitment to community that this role requires,” Ciesla said. “She approaches issues thoughtfully, works well with others, and understands the importance of listening and engaging with residents.
“Ms. Reese has not previously campaigned for or served in public office, and I believe she will bring an independent perspective and fresh ideas to the Board. I am confident she will be an excellent addition to the Board.”
Reese said her background as the daughter of a retired police sergeant from Columbus, Ohio, will help her better serve the Northbrook Board and community.
“I understand what sacrifices police and fire families make every day,” she said. “I understand the toll it takes on officers and how it looks afterwards. You’re part of such a tight-knit community. My dad is a retiree and he still goes back to that community because that is part of his identity.”
Reese, who said she hopes to run for a second term when her current term expires in April 2027, said the biggest issues currently facing Northbrook and the Board are “definitely communication and economic development.”
