The school board at the Proviso Township High Schools is now fully comprised of members of the Proviso 209 United political group. With a four-seat sweep in the April 1 election, the group has full control of the direction of the District 209 schools.
Newly elected to the school board were Ebony “Nicki” Smith, Rolandra Morris, William Fisher and Nicole “Molly Bee” Molinaro.
A special board of education meeting was held on Tuesday, April 29 at Proviso Math and Science Academy for the reorganization of the board and swearing in of new members.
The slatemates were able to secure the four-seat sweep following a close race between Molinaro and Candice Ross, who ran on the 209 Student First slate. Molinaro ultimately won 6,604 votes compared to Ross’ 6,590 votes.
The newly elected board members were sworn in by Samuel Valtierrez, who served as board president since May 2024, and then took their seats at the table.
“I am devoted to our students,” Molinaro said. “Public education is a right, not a privilege. It is both an honor and a humbling experience to hold this position. To know that thousands of people voted for me fills me with gratitude and responsibility.”
Smith expressed the excitement of the new board members and thanked Proviso 209 United for the group’s support and hard work in helping the campaign.
“We ran on community engagement, fiscal responsibility and those are some of the things we are going to deliver on,” Smith said. “But we can’t do this alone. We need [you all]. We need [your] support. We need your ideas. We are open. Come talk to us.”
Morris, who won the most votes of any candidate in the 8-person race, also thanked the community for its support.
“I want every parent and every community member to know their voice matters in the decisions we make, so hold me accountable,” she said. “Tell me that I am wrong and let me have the opportunity to make it right.”
Fisher, who welcomed a baby during the election season, thanked his family and the community for its support.
The board also reorganized its leadership with Jennifer Barbahen as president, Morris as vice president and Smith now serving as secretary. All will serve one-year terms as board officers.
Prior to the swearing in ceremony, board members Amanda Grant, Rodney Alexander and Arbdella “Della” Patterson, alongside Valtierrez were honored for their service to the district and received a plaque to commemorate their time on the board. The plaques were presented by Superintendent Krish Mohip.
Alexander was not in attendance to receive his plaque and sweatshirts. Mohip took an opportunity to thank the four board members for their time and dedication to the district.
“I really appreciate everything you have done, not just for me, but for everything you have done for the district over the past few years,” Mohip said. “We know there has been a lot of change, a lot of struggle, but through it all you have landed in a better place and we know that the district, even in your absence, is going to continue moving forward in a positive direction.”
In her last board meeting, Grant took the time to thank the Proviso 209 United slate and express her excitement for the new board members.
“I want to thank the Democratic Party of Illinois, who spent $48,000 to show that this election for the Proviso 209 High School District Board of Education cannot be bought,” Grant added, also encouraging new and former board members to remain “vigilant” so “corruption” doesn’t invade the board. “If it gets up the foothold here, we know from the past, it will take over.”
Valtierrez said it was “amazing” how fast eight years on the board went by.
“I am proud of the new board members that were elected,” Valtierrez said. “It reminds me of the original board members elected in 2017, a team of eight people who were willing to work for the community and for the students. You have a set table.”
Patterson, who ran for a third term but was not reelected, also addressed the community during her last board meeting, saying she was proud of the campaign she ran and her slate mates.
She also took her time to congratulate the new board members and urge them to “work tirelessly” on behalf of the Proviso community.
“As a community we must continue to prioritize our schools and ensure they provide world class education,” Patterson said. “We must advocate for policies that promote equity, inclusion and excellence.”
Patterson said she will remain active in the school community as a parent advocate. Patterson also said “claims” made about her during this election campaign are “entirely untrue,” and that she “refused” to let anyone stain her name with those allegations.
“I am not done yet. I will probably be back,” Patterson said, adding she will continue to attend board meetings.
Barbahen thanked the new board members and reiterated the mission of the board of education.
“We didn’t step up to play it safe,” she said. “We stepped up to make a difference together. We represent a renewed commitment to the accountability and the success of every student in our district.”