Outgoing Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Board of Education Member Jay Lurquin has served for 16 years and was honored at the April 28, 2025 Board meeting for his significant contributions to the District. Throughout his tenure, Lurquin has served as board secretary for 10 years, vice president for two years, board liaison for Hometown School for six years, and was the representative to the District Ed Foundation for six years. Lurquin was also the chairperson and eventual representative to the facilities subcommittee for most of his time on the board.
On Monday, April 28, exactly 16 years from his first board meeting on April 28, 2009, Lurquin was presented with an honorary “Key to the District” as a symbol of his legacy and a token of gratitude from the community for his service and dedication to District 123 staff, students, and families.
Lurquin is now a Distinguished Board Leader, according to the Illinois Association of School Boards, and has consistently held the title of Master Board Member since 2012.
Lurquin’s contributions also impacted the board's success as a whole, leading to 11 Meritorious Budget Awards and 10 consecutive years of a Recognition Rating for D123’s Financial Profile with the Illinois State Board of Education. District 123 has also received the IASB Governance Award four times, with a fifth opportunity pending this year.
As the third-longest-serving board member, Lurquin has overseen the education of about 8,500 students in the community. He has shepherded eight classes through their entire D123 career and even handed all of his own children their 8th-grade diplomas.
Throughout Lurquin’s tenure on the board, District 123 has implemented 1:1 technology for students, adopted written curricula for all core subjects across all grade levels, and made significant improvements to buildings.
“I’ve run the numbers. We’ve talked about everything that has happened here on his watch,” Board President Brian Nichols said. “Jay’s contributions to this district, and to the spirit that undergirds it, are indelible and will be felt for years to come. He may not be attending meetings anymore, but his voice in our process will echo strongly in his absence.”
“For over a decade and a half, Jay has been a steadfast advocate for students, a guiding voice for progress, and a model of integrity and dedication,” Superintendent Paul Enderle said. “His leadership has helped shape a district where every child is seen, supported, and inspired to grow. His impact can be found in every school, every new initiative, and every student who’s been given the tools to succeed because of the work he’s championed as a member of the School Board.”