Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
Get yours: subscribe here. Refer a friend: share this link.
Batavia Public School District 101 has two new board members.
The Board of Education swore in Tara Gray and Patrick Ryan to fill seats left vacant after board resignations in May.
Here's what to know:
Two different ceremonies: Gray took her oath at the Board's regular meeting on June 23, while Ryan was sworn in during a special board meeting on July 13.
Gray returns to public service: She previously served twelve years on another local governing board. She and her husband have one current Batavia High School student and one 2025 graduate.
Executive experience, local roots: Ryan has four kids in the district, two at H.C. Storm Elementary and two at Batavia High, and says he “wants to ensure this district remains high performing, fiscally responsible, and stable for my own children and every student.”
Gray said she’s ready to give back.
“I believe I am a strong communicator who can listen to varying sides of an issue,” she said. “I have 12 years of elected board experience, along with cooperative work with other municipal groups. Perhaps most importantly, I am a heavily invested parent and citizen in our school community.”
Ryan emphasized his deep stake in the community.
“I offer this board professional executive experience, an understanding of the strict line between governance and operations, and a deep personal commitment to the long-term stability of our district,” Ryan said.
Superintendent Tom Kim expressed appreciation for Gray and Ryan’s willingness to serve and commitment to BPS 101.
Danielle Sligar and Katy Swiecicki resigned from the Batavia school board on May 19, both saying they were repeatedly blocked from bringing community concerns before the board for collaborative consideration.
📖 Thanks for reading
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.
Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.