Niles Dist. 219 Board Member Passes Away

Niles Township High School District 219 announced that Board of Education member Lynda Gault Smith passed away peacefully July 18 after a long battle with cancer. 

The high school district issued the following information: 

Lynda was a resident of Skokie for more than 30 years.  She leaves a legacy of community service; she was active in her local school programs, booster clubs, committees and parent organizations. Lynda served as President of the District 68 Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and as President of the Niles North PTA, and was active in those groups before and after her terms of office. Lynda was first elected to the D219 Board of Education in 2001; she served on the Niles Township District for Special Education (NTDSE) Board, and on committees including the Educational Policy Advisory Council (EPAC) and Curriculum Standards for School Improvement (CSSI).

"Lynda's steadfast advocacy and passion on behalf of special education has been far-reaching," said D219 Board President Bob Silverman. "NTDSE and D219 offer special education services that are unparalleled in public education, thanks in no small part to Lynda's ongoing advocacy for students."

Lynda was also active in the Women’s Cancer Foundation, including establishing local fundraising events and promoting the foundation.

Donations in memory of Lynda may be sent in support of the Cancer Care Program (Cancer Institute) at Condell Medical Center:

Cancer Care Program (Cancer Institute)
c/o Advocate Condell Medical Center
3075 Highland Parkway, Suite 600
Downers Grove, IL 60515.

A memorial service will be held in celebration of Lynda’s life; details are forthcoming.