Natasha Grover Rejoins District 204 School Board After Vacancy
Former board member Natasha Grover has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the Indian Prairie School District 204 board. This vacancy arose after the resignation of Supna Jain, who was recently appointed to the Naperville City Council. Grover’s appointment was confirmed during a school board meeting on October 23, 2023, where the board suspended its standard application process to expedite the selection due to pressing district responsibilities.
Typically, the board would invite applications for a vacant seat and conduct interviews as outlined in its policy. However, board President Laurie Donahue emphasized the urgency of moving forward with the ongoing search for a new superintendent, stating, “One of the board’s most important responsibilities is selecting and hiring the superintendent.” The board intends to review applications and select semi-finalists for this role by late October, with interviews and final selections scheduled for early November.
Grover’s return to the board marks a significant moment, as she previously served from 2018 until 2023. She initially joined the board through the application process to fill a vacancy and later won a seat in the 2019 elections. At the board meeting, Grover expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve again, saying it was “truly an honor” to return. She added, “Serving our students and community is both a privilege and a responsibility.”
In addition to her new role, Grover, who is an attorney and parent of a high school student in District 204, will serve until the next regular board election in 2027, at which point she may choose to run for the seat again. Donahue highlighted the importance of appointing someone who could contribute immediately to the district’s critical work, including the superintendent search and upcoming union contract negotiations.
Changes in leadership followed Jain’s departure, with the board electing Allison Fosdick as the new vice president and Catey Genc as the new secretary. Board member Susan Demming was also appointed as the representative for the Illinois Association of School Boards.
The board took a moment to recognize Jain’s contributions during her tenure. Jain, who was first elected in 2021 and re-elected in April 2023, had focused on student mental health and academic achievement during her time on the board. She highlighted the passage of a significant $420 million bond referendum aimed at facility improvements as one of her key accomplishments.
Reflecting on her experience, Jain recalled the challenges faced during the pandemic as she began her tenure. “I still remember my first meeting. After taking the oath, we had to make decisions about bringing students back during COVID, and protocols were changing by the day,” she said. Jain noted that her experience on the board reaffirmed her belief in the importance of public education, stating, “I often ask myself, ‘What would Dr. Talley do?’”
As Jain embarks on her new role with the Naperville City Council, she remains committed to supporting District 204. “You better believe 204 is represented up there,” she stated, expressing her ongoing dedication to the district and its community.
Grover’s appointment and the leadership transitions within the board reflect a proactive approach to governance as District 204 navigates critical decisions impacting students and families.
