North Palos School District 117 has officially named its transportation department the "Dr. Tom P. Kostes Transportation Facility" in honor of the current Board of Education president and former superintendent.
Dr. Kostes has had his imprint on the district for nearly a half-century. The longtime Hickory Hills' resident began his career in 1973 as assistant superintendent and was named superintendent in 1976. During his tenure, he would visit the schools each month to observe and talk with teachers and principals. After retiring in 1994, Dr. Kostes was asked to serve as consultant to the new superintendent. He held that position until retiring in 2003.
Three years later he was asked to fill an unexpired term on the school board. Kostes was elected president of the board in 2013. During his 18 years on the board, NPD117 won several awards, including National Blue Ribbon Awards; built additions to Sorrick, Oak Ridge, Glen Oaks and Conrady Junior High schools and added a new transportation center.
We look forward to your continued work as president of the NPD117 Board of Education.