At the board meeting, Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233 paused to celebrate and honor three extraordinary Board of Education members—Michelle Hoereth, Steve Anderson, and Cynthia Turnquest—for their dedicated service, transformative leadership, and unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and families of the HF community. Each are stepping down from Board service
A Legacy of Service and Impact
Board President Gerald Pauling opened the evening with gratitude and admiration for the trio, describing their tenure as marked by courage, compassion, and conviction. Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley echoed those sentiments, thanking the outgoing board members for their kindness, patience, and persistent challenge that “we need to do more and do better.” He acknowledged the weight of board service—the sleepless nights, the tough decisions—and noted the profound impact they’ve had not only on students they knew, but on countless others whose lives were shaped by their policies and advocacy. “It is hard. It is thankless. And yet, it is an honor to do hard things for our children,” he said.
Board Vice President Nathan Legardy offered powerful reflections on each departing member. He praised Steve Anderson for his steady hand and principled leadership through turbulent times, helping guide the district toward financial stability and long-term success. “You led through process and principle,” he said. To Michelle Hoereth, he expressed appreciation for answering the call to serve, championing academic transformation and being a consistent advocate for students. Of Cynthia Turnquest, he said, “You brought unwavering support and grounded our work in justice. You focused on what truly matters—and made us all better.”
Board Member Pam Jackson reflected on how each departing member helped elevate her own leadership, noting the respectful collaboration that defined their time together. “Michelle, Steve, and Cynthia—you made me better,” she said, citing Cynthia’s compassion, Steve’s financial expertise, and Michelle’s sharp insight and advocacy for those whose voices are often left out.
Board Member Chris Riedel recognized the character and values that defined their service. “There are four words that embody who you are: passion, rigor, equity, and fairness,” he said. “You’ve set the tone for spirited, thoughtful work that always centers students.”
Reflections from Departing Members
Steve Anderson, who concludes 18 years of school board service, spoke with humility and gratitude. He recalled the advice he received early on—“take a deep breath”—and expressed appreciation to his family, mentors, and colleagues. “It’s been a lot of change—new buildings, new curriculum, new people,” he said. “But we persevered. We made progress. And we prepared our students, including my own sons, for the next step.” He urged the community to stay united and concluded with a call for common-sense policies and continued advocacy.
Michelle Hoereth reflected on her decade-long journey with District 161 and HF, recognizing the evolution of the Board’s culture over her term. “We pass the baton to a very different board—a stronger board,” she said. “We are charged with protecting every student and preparing them for greatness.” She challenged incoming members to care about every aspect of the district—students, teachers, and administrators—and to “roll up their sleeves and do the hard work,” no matter the outside noise. “We have what it takes,” she said. “Now, we have to put it to work.”
Cynthia Turnquest spoke from the heart about what compelled her to run for office—a moment of fear during the pandemic and racial reckoning, when she realized the world wasn’t ready to fully see her Black son as the treasure he is. “I was scared, so I did what I was supposed to do: I stepped up,” she shared. “What gave me hope every day was sitting at the table with a board who believed we could be better.” She thanked the administration, educators, and community for helping her children feel safe and celebrated. “To the new board: It will be hard. But it’s good work. And you won’t do it alone.”
A Night of Gratitude and Transition
Principal Dr. Clinton Alexander reminded everyone that what students will remember is how these leaders made them feel—valued and seen. Director of Finance Dr. Lawrence Cook shared that "it's great to see this room packed for celebratory reasons. This board has built trust with the community." Director of Curriculum Dr. Jen Hester praised the trio as “equity-centered leaders” who pushed for results and accountability. Director of Communications Carla Erdey thanked the outgoing members for building trust that allows the community to focus on students and learning.
As the district welcomes new board members, the contributions of Michelle Hoereth, Steve Anderson, and Cynthia Turnquest leave a powerful legacy—one rooted in purpose, people, and possibility.
